Wise Words: William Shawn

Falling short of perfection is a process that just never stops.

Wise Words: James Baldwin

You think your pains and heartbreaks are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who have ever been alive.

 

Wise Words: Jill Ker Conway

You never know what you’ll want to write until it starts writing itself in your head.

Wise Words: Socrates

Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore, avoid undue elation in prosperity or undue depression in adversity.

Wise Words: Iris Murdoch: treats

One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats, and if some of these can be inexpensive and quickly procured, so much the better.

Wise Words: Ansel Adams: people

To the complaint, ‘There are no people in these photographs,’ I respond, ‘There are always two people: the photographer and the viewer.’

Wise Words: George Matthew Adams

There is no such thing as a “self-made” man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and our thoughts.

Wise Words: Heraclitus

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.

Wise Words: Margaret Atwood

You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality. This latter means: There’s no free lunch. Writing is work. It’s also gambling. You don’t get a pension plan. Other people can help you a bit, but essentially, you’re on your own. Nobody is making you do this: you chose it, so don’t whine.

Wise Words: Anonymous: storms

Not all storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.