"This book is about what it feels like to sit in your studio and classroom, at your wheel or keyboard, easel or camera, trying to do the work you need to do. It is about committing your future to your own hands, placing Free Will above predestination, choice above chance. It is about finding your own work." (i)

"Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeing, experience treacherous, judgment difficult." (1)

"Artists don't get down to work until the pain of working is exceeded by the pain of not working." (9)

"We have met the enemy and he is us." (23)

"Don't look back—something might be gaining on you." (37)

"You could not step twice in the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you." (49)

"When bankers get together for dinner, they discuss Art. When artists get together for dinner, they discuss money." (63)

"To see far is one...