“If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench.
It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery--isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you'll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way.
There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is.”
― Charles Bukowski, Factotum
Why I chose this quote:
It makes me believe life is about dedication. Dedication to being ourselves and not settle for anything less than what sets our soul on fire. It makes us open our eyes in front of all the sacrifices we might have to make in order to do what we want most. Yet we can and we should, for it is the only way to transcend humanity and "be alone with the gods".*
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As always, have a great day,
Alex
Charles Bukowski recites his own poem, called The Laughing Heart.
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