Henry Miller

United States
26 Dec 1891 // 7 Jun 1980
Writer

Quotes

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Example moves the world more than doctrine.
Until we accept the fact that life itself is founded in mystery, we shall learn nothing.
The most wonderful opportunity which life offers is to be human.
What I want is to open up. I want to know what's inside me. I want everybody to open up. I'm like an imbecile with a can opener in his hand, wondering where to begin - to open up the earth. I know that underneath the mess everything is marvelous. I'm sure of it.

Sexus
In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.
Do not be duped by little duties. Do not be a chore man all your days.
I found that what I had desired all my life was not to live - if what others are doing is called living - but to express myself.

Tropic of Capricorn
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 real leader has no need to lead. He is content to point the way.
To be silent the whole day long, see no newspaper, hear no radio, listen to no gossip, be thoroughly and completely lazy, thoroughly and completely indifferent to the fate of the world is the finest medicine a man can give himself.
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays