The blackest ink of fate are sure my lot,
And when fate writ my name it made a blot.

The blackest ink of fate are sure my lot,
And when fate writ my name it made a blot.

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability read more

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability to give them their separate names, identities, personalities and have them relate to other characters living with him.

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business read more

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, "Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here."

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

There is nothing more likely to start disagreement among people or countries than an agreement.

There is nothing more likely to start disagreement among people or countries than an agreement.

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and read more

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and Rollet a rogue.
[Fr., Je ne puis rien nommer si ce n'est par son nom;
J'appelle un chat un chat, et Rollet un fripon.]

My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.

My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.

Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong.

Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong.

Having supplied them with names, omnipotence, justice, knowledge, providence, - what are they?

Having supplied them with names, omnipotence, justice, knowledge, providence, - what are they?