The worst sin that can be committed against the artist is to take him at his word, to see in his work a fulfillment instead of an horizon.

We have two American flags always: one for the rich and one for the poor. When the rich fly it means that things are under control; when the poor fly it means danger, revolution, anarchy.

People used to envy me my inspiration. I hate inspiration. It takes you over completely. I could never wait until it passed and I got rid of it.

If the poet can no longer speak for society, but only for himself, then we are at the last ditch.

I see myself forever and ever as the ridiculous man, the lonely soul, the wanderer, the restless frustrated artist, the man in love with love, always in search of the absolute, always seeking the unattainable

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

To make living itself an art, that is the goal.