"To be matter of fact about the world is to blunder into fantasy -- and dull fantasy at that, as the real world is strange and wonderful."

"Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards."

"The Office does not sanctify the holder of it."

"A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits."

"Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it."

"If a country can't save itself through the volunteer service of its own free people, then I say: Let the damned thing go down the drain!"

"To read your own poetry in public is a kind of mental incest."

"He who ceases to learn cannot adequately teach."

"By force of arms. (Vi Et Armis)"

"I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love."

"Our supreme duty is to advance toward freedom-physical, mental, and spiritual-and help others to do so."

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."