First, I do not sit down at my desk to put into verse something that is already clear in my read more

First, I do not sit down at my desk to put into verse something that is already clear in my mind. If it were clear in my mind, I should have no incentive or need to write about it. We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand.

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same read more

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.

We try not to have ideas, preferring accidents. To create, you must empty yourself of every artistic thought.

We try not to have ideas, preferring accidents. To create, you must empty yourself of every artistic thought.

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.

It's been very important throughout my career that I've met all the guys I've copied, because at each stage they've read more

It's been very important throughout my career that I've met all the guys I've copied, because at each stage they've said, "Don't play like me, play like you.".

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.

Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training.

Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training.

There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world; and that is an idea whose time has read more

There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world; and that is an idea whose time has come.

Ideas are the root of creation.

Ideas are the root of creation.