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."

Proper names are poetry in the raw. Like all poetry they are untranslatable.

Proper names are poetry in the raw. Like all poetry they are untranslatable.

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My
name is Legion: for we are read more

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My
name is Legion: for we are many.

Call a spade a spade.

Call a spade a spade.

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.]

I know there's a Derby out there with my name on it.

I know there's a Derby out there with my name on it.

Ah! replied my gentle fair,
Beloved, what are names but air?
Choose thou, whatever suits the line:
read more

Ah! replied my gentle fair,
Beloved, what are names but air?
Choose thou, whatever suits the line:
Call me Sappho, call me Chloris,
Call me Lalage, or Doris,
Only, only, call me thine.

"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
read more

"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
Then when his fiery spirit rose flaming after,
High toward the topmost heaven of heavens up-caught!
"All hail! our younger brother!" Shakespeare said,
And Dante nodded his imperial head.