The camera seems to me, next to unassisted and weaponless consciousness, the central instrument of our time.

The goal is the same: life itself; and the price is the same; life itself.

The mere attempt to examine my own confusion would consume volumes.

You must be in tune with the times and prepared to break with tradition.

The artist's task is not to alter the world as the eye sees it into a world of aesthetic reality, but to perceive the aesthetic reality within the actual reality. (On photographs by Helen Levitt)

Isn’t every human being both a scientist and an artist; and in writing of human experience, isn’t there a good deal to be said for recognizing that fact and for using both methods?

Some people get where they hope to in this world. Most of us don't.

You've got to bear it in mind that nobody that ever lived is specially privileged; the axe can fall at any moment, on any neck, without any warning or any regard for justice.

I'm very anxious not to fall into archaism or 'literary' diction. I want my vocabulary to have a very large range, but the words must be alive.

A mother never realizes that her children are no longer children.

Just spunk won't be enough; you've got to have gumption.

He is much to be dreaded who stands in dread of poverty.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith. Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.

I want to print books by people in the film industry.

I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.

Give me simplicity, that I may live, So live and like, that I may know Thy ways, Know them and practise them: then shall I give For this poor wreath, give Thee a crown of praise.

Intuition is reason in a hurry.

I always find the greatest help I receive is from people who have been where I have been, but now they're no longer there.

Always make room for the unexpected in yourself.

May God have mercy on your souls. May God bless your souls.

There ought to be no laws to guarantee property against the folly of its possessors.