Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but that's the only way you can do anything really good.

The writer in America isn't part of the culture of this country. He's like a fine dog. People like him around, but he's of no use.

It is my ambition to be, as a private individual, abolished and voided from history, leaving it markless, no refuse save the printed books. [] It is my aim, and every effort bent, that the sum and history of my life, which in the same sentence is my obit and epitaph too, shall be them both: he made the books and he died.

As long as I live under the capitalistic system I expect to have my life influenced by the demands of moneyed people. But I will be damned if I propose to be at the beck and call of every itinerant scoundrel who has two cents to invest in a postage stamp. This, sir, is my resignation.

Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.

Whatever its symbol - cross or crescent or whatever - that symbol is man's reminder of his duty inside the human race.

A gentleman can live through anything.