I might say that what amateurs call a style is usually only the unavoidable awkwardnesses in first trying to make something that has not heretofore been made. Almost no new classics resemble other previous classics. At first people see only the awkwardness. Then they are not so perceptible. When they show so very awkwardly people think these awkwardnesses are the style and many copy them. This is regrettable.

No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure.

How little we know of what there is to know. I wish that I were going to live a long time instead of going to die today because I have learned much about life in these four days; more, I think than in all other time. I'd like to be an old man to really know. I wonder if you keep on learning or if there is only a certain amount each man can understand. I thought I knew so many things that I know nothing of. I wish there was more time.

Everything you have is to give. Thou art a phenomenon of philosophy and an unfortunate man.

Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.

Go all the way with it. Do not back off. For once, go all the goddamn way with what matters.

You make your own luck, Gig. You know what makes a good loser? Practice.