Quotes on Ifs

Writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time, or even the third time. Remember this in moments of despair. If you find that writing is hard, it's because it is hard. It's one of the hardest things that people do

The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.

You think you're being broken but you're really being broken open...and that's where the healing happens, in those broken places...if you'll allow it.

If in the first act you have hung a pistol on the wall, then in the following one it should be fired. Otherwise don't put it there.

One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.

If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.

If you have the guts to be yourself, other people'll pay your price.

Come aboard if your destination is oblivion- it should be our next stop. We can sit together. You can have the window seat if you want. But it's a sad view.

If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?

That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.

If you learn from defeat, you haven't really lost.

If you realize that you're the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something and grow wiser. Don't blame other people for your problems.

If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.

If I am good enough and quiet enough, perhaps after all they will let me go; but it’s not easy being quiet and good, it’s like hanging on to the edge of a bridge when you’ve already fallen over; you don’t seem to be moving, just dangling there, and yet it is taking all your strength.

I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.

The press still thinks [global warming] is controversial. So they find the 1% of the scientists and put them up as if they're 50% of the research results. You in the public would have no idea that this is basically a done deal and that we're on to other problems, because the journalists are trying to give it a 50/50 story. It's not a 50/50 story. It's not. Period.

If you understand others you are smart._x000D_ If you understand yourself you are illuminated._x000D_ If you overcome others you are powerful._x000D_ If you overcome yourself you have strength._x000D_ If you know how to be satisfied you are rich._x000D_ If you can act with vigor, you have a will._x000D_ If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting._x000D_ If you die without loss, you are eternal.

If we recognize our talents and use them appropriately, and choose a field that uses those talents, we will rise to the top of our field.

If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you open to my ideas

Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.

If your Eyes are Positive, You will Love the World. _x000D_ But if Your Tongue is Positive, The World will Love you.