It seems to me that the problem with diaries, and the reason that most of them are so boring, is that every day we vacillate between examining our hangnails and speculating on cosmic order. – Ann Beattie, Picturing Will, 1989
If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I will write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always. – Henry Rollins
Perhaps its good for one to suffer. Can an artist do anything if hes happy? Would he ever want to do anything? What is art, after all, but a protest against the horrible inclemency of life? – Aldous Huxley
To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind – this is a choice which is possible for all of us and surely it is a good haven to sail for. – Henry Van Dyke
