There be of them that have left a name behind them.

There be of them that have left a name behind them.

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and read more

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and Rollet a rogue.
[Fr., Je ne puis rien nommer si ce n'est par son nom;
J'appelle un chat un chat, et Rollet un fripon.]

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability read more

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability to give them their separate names, identities, personalities and have them relate to other characters living with him.

I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and read more

I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and women in my life; I've been labeled "the bisexual defector." Want to know another secret? I'm even ambidextrous. I don't like labels. Just call me Martina.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

The Eskimos had 52 names for snow because it was important to them; there ought to be as many for read more

The Eskimos had 52 names for snow because it was important to them; there ought to be as many for love.

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business read more

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, "Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here."

I don't like giving names to generations. It's like trying to read the song title on a record that's spinning.

I don't like giving names to generations. It's like trying to read the song title on a record that's spinning.

However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It read more

However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are the richest.