Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.

I have never been able to look upon America as young and vital but rather as prematurely old, as a fruit which rotted before it had a chance to ripen.

All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.

I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.

The waking mind is the least serviceable in the arts.

The real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way.

No matter how vast, how total, the failure of man here on earth, the work of man will be resumed elsewhere. War leaders talk of resuming operations on this front and that, but man's front embraces the whole universe.

Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack. We give it orders which make no sense.

Back of every creation, supporting it like an arch, is faith. Enthusiasm is nothing: it comes and goes. But if one believes, then miracles occur.

The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.

Los Angeles gives one the feeling of the future more strongly than any city I know of. A bad future, too, like something out of Fritz Lang's feeble imagination.

The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love.

Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions? Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no hope of finding ourselves.

The moment one gives close attention to anything, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.

Sin, guilt, neurosis; they are one and the same, the fruit of the tree of knowledge.

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.

We should read to give our souls a chance to luxuriate.

Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.

The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.