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.

A good name, like good will, is attained by many actions and may be lost by one.

A good name, like good will, is attained by many actions and may be lost by one.

A good name is better than precious ointment.

A good name is better than precious ointment.

Called me wessel, Sammy--a wessel of wrath.

Called me wessel, Sammy--a wessel of wrath.

If the fairest features of the landscape are to be named after men, let them be the noblest and worthiest read more

If the fairest features of the landscape are to be named after men, let them be the noblest and worthiest men alone.

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them.

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them.

One forgets words as one forgets names. One's vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die

One forgets words as one forgets names. One's vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die

I was learning the importance of names -- having them, making them -- but at the same time I sensed read more

I was learning the importance of names -- having them, making them -- but at the same time I sensed the dangers. Recognition was followed by oblivion, a yawning maw whose victims disappeared without a trace.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.