There are many out there who proudly call themselves critics, but I have come to see that many of those critics have never tested their own skill.

We need a safe place, a reserve of truth, a place where words kindle ideas and set ideas sparking off in others, a word sanctuary. Poetry is this gathering place of words.

It is a rare and valuable tonic to share insights, dreams and concerns with people whom you have never met. The sole purpose for such exchanges is simply to give light to one another.

If the weeds are pulled out of the garden too soon, the too shallow roots of the plants developing around it get pulled up with the weed also. Time is what is needed before criticism can be useful.

I didn't get to be this smart by not being stupid

Universal love is the standard-sized socket that everyone can plug into. No adapting mechanism required.

There are two types of people in this world: Gypsy and Gadge. Which one am I? Neither. I'm a writer.

Paint right into the darkness. While painting in these conditions the mind shifts gears, engaging the unconscious. Unique 'insights' happen in the dark.

Writing without words? Its not easy, I tell you! I stab the pen into my heart and let the blood flow. No more ink, no more words, no more b.s. Just me.

The exchange of words is a lot like a virtual handshake. Is the writer's grasp of the language strong and bold? Are the words gripping? Direct? Inventive? Sincere?

Interlude with sunshine. Hello monday mein lazy freund.

Progress comes through capacity to learn, and is irresistible.

As Plato: What is play and delightful one kind of child is coercion and torture for another, and will not take no matter how much coercion is applied.

No one understands now. Those who couldhear a song this deeply vanished long ago.

I've had some pretty awful jobs that I don't miss, like working on a nightclub door, or compiling VIP lists at 3 A.M. in the morning, but sometimes it's just got to be done.

The short way to happiness is through kindness and sensitivity.

They talk of a man betraying his country, his friends, his sweetheart. There must be a moral bond first. All a man can betray is his conscience.

I look at rap as an opportunity to act. My head is full of different characters - in each song I'm auditioning a character.

Nonsense," said Graff. "Ender always has plans within plans.

One bit in or out of focus makes the difference between our bodies being ourselves and our being part of a group. I want to melt the idea of specificity and blend individuality into the crowd.

It seems like I have more in common - or hit it off better - with rappers than fools that are in rock music. It was always natural for me.