Orthodox criticism ... is a murderer of talent. And because the most modest and sensitive people are the most talented, having the most imagination and sympathy, these are the first ones to get killed off.

it is only by expressing all that is inside that purer and purer streams come. ... Pour out the dull things on paper too-you can tear them up afterward-for only then do the bright ones come. If you hold back the dull things, you are certain to hold back what is clear and beautiful and true and lively.

Even if I knew for certain that I would never have anything published again, and would never make another cent from it, I would still keep on writing.

The only good teachers for you are those friends who love you, who think you are interesting, or very important, or wonderfully funny.

When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. Ideas actually begin to grow within us and come to life.

Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable.

People who try to boss themselves always want (however kindly) to boss other people. They always think they know best and are so stern and resolute about it they are not very open to new and better ideas.