The artist is the opposite of the politically minded individual, the opposite of the reformer, the opposite of the idealist. The artist does not tinker with the universe, he recreates it out of his own experience and understanding of life.

The piano bar is the gateway to the halls of masturbation.

A world without hope, but no despair

To have her here in bed with me, breathing on me, her hair in my mouth—I count that something of a miracle.

An artist earns the right to call himself a creator only when he admits to himself that he is but an instrument.

No man is great enough or wise enough for any of us to surrender our destiny to. The only way in which anyone can lead us is to restore to us the belief in our own guidance.

Do not be duped by little duties. Do not be a chore man all your days.