This book presents a magic number of 341 aphorisms: that is, short, sometimes terse sayings embodying some kind of general truth about music. A small number of the aphorisms are direct quotations from musical thinkers. However, most are paraphrased to place them into a more contemporary context. The book's purpose is not to present the aphorisms as 'the' truth about music, but 'a' truth, which may be contestable. As such, each aphorism may generate reflection and debate. The book is arranged in nine chapters, loosely ordered to move from a general reflection on thinking and perception in the arts towards specifically musical or compositional observations and then on to a wider, more inclusive view.