More Quotes by William S. Burroughs
If you weren't surprised by your life you wouldn't be alive. Life is surprise.
How long does it take man to realize that he cannot want what he wants? You have to live in hell to see heaven.
Every word is autobiographical, and every word is fiction.
You were given the power to love in order to use it, no matter what pain it may cause you.
One very important aspect of art is that it makes people aware of what they know and don’t know they know... Once the breakthrough is made, there is a permanent expansion of awareness. But there is always a reaction of rage, of outrage, at the first breakthrough... So the artist, then, expands awareness. And once the breakthrough is made, this becomes part of the general awareness.
There is nothing more provocative than minding your own business.
Do not proffer sympathy to the mentally ill; it is a bottomless pit. Tell them firmly, "I am not paid to listen to this drivel - you are a terminal fool!" Otherwise, they make you as crazy as they are.
The best way to keep something bad from happening is to see it ahead of time... and you can't see it if you refuse to face the possibility.
I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it. My affections, being concentrated over a few people, are not spread all over Hell in a vile attempt to placate sulky, worthless shits.
Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don't make compromises. Don't worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned with doing good work and make the right choices and protect your work. And if you can build a good name, eventually, that name will be its own currency.
