"It is a mathematical fact that the casting of this pebble from my hand alters the centre of gravity of the universe."

Thomas Carlyle
(12/04/1795 – 02/05/1881)
English writer

"An empty canvas, apparently really empty, that says nothing and is without significance. Almost dull, in fact. In reality, however, [it's] crammed with thousands of undertone tensions and [is] full of expectancy. Slightly apprehensive lest it should be outraged ... It can contain anything but cannot sustain everything ... An empty canvas is a living wonder—far lovelier than certain pictures."

Wassily Kandinsky
(12/04/1866 – 12/13/1944)
Russian artist

"It was very good of God to let Carlyle and Mrs Carlyle marry one another and so make only two people miserable instead of four."

Samuel Butler
(12/04/1875 – 06/18/1902)
English writer

"Almost everything serious is difficult, and everything is serious."

Rainer Maria Rilke
(12/04/1875 – 12/29/1926)
German writer

"I was about as much in demand as cancer."

Max Baer, Jr.
(12/04/1936 – )
US actor, on his post-"Beverly Hillbillies" career

"The only reason we wore sunglasses onstage was because we couldn't stand the sight of the audience."

John Cale
(12/04/1940 – )
US singer, songwriter (Velvet Underground)

"I don't think I ever went down that movie star path. I always enjoy taking a 90-degree turn from the last thing I did."

Jeff Bridges
(12/04/1949 – )
US actor (son of Lloyd Bridges, brother of Beau Bridges)

"I really don't like when things are all polished and perfect—the perfect love story and the hair is perfect." Marisa Tomei
(12/04/1964 – )
US actor

"I love the confidence that makeup gives me." Tyra Banks
(12/04/1973 – )
US supermodel