These are days when no one should rely unduly on his "competence." Strength lies in improvisation. All the decisive blows read more

These are days when no one should rely unduly on his "competence." Strength lies in improvisation. All the decisive blows are struck left-handed.

You can always draw as well as you know how to. I flatter myself that I feel more than I read more

You can always draw as well as you know how to. I flatter myself that I feel more than I express on canvas; but I know that is not so.

Wisdom begins in wonder.

Wisdom begins in wonder.

Do what you know best; if you're a runner, run, if you're a bell, ring

Do what you know best; if you're a runner, run, if you're a bell, ring

Elegance of language may not be in the power of all of us; but simplicity and straight forwardness are. Write read more

Elegance of language may not be in the power of all of us; but simplicity and straight forwardness are. Write much as you would speak; speak as you think. If with your inferior, speak no coarser than usual; if with your superiors, no finer.

Studying literature at Harvard is like learning about women at the Mayo clinic.

Studying literature at Harvard is like learning about women at the Mayo clinic.

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest read more

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.

The simplest explanation is that it doesn't make sense.

The simplest explanation is that it doesn't make sense.

We own almost all our knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have differed.

We own almost all our knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have differed.