The primary function of poetry, as of all the arts, is to make us more aware of ourselves and the world around us. I do not know if such increased awareness makes us more moral or more efficient. I hope not. I think it makes us more human, and I am quite certain it makes us more difficult to deceive.

Geniuses are the luckiest of mortals because what they must do is the same as what they most want to do.

Had Greek civilization never existed ... we would never have become fully conscious.

Most people enjoy the sight of their own handwriting as they enjoy the smell of their own farts.

Dance, dance, dance till you drop.

Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry.

Learn from your dreams what you lack.