Inspiration may be a form of super-consciousness, or perhaps of sub-consciousness—I wouldn’t know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.
—Aaron Copland (1900–90) American Composer, Pianist, Conductor
I didn’t have to think up so much as a comma or a semicolon; it was all given, straight from the celestial recording room. Weary, I would beg for a break, an intermission, time enough, let’s say, to go to the toilet or take a breath of fresh air on the balcony. Nothing doing!
—Henry Miller (1891–1980) American Novelist
When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best—that is inspiration.
—Robert Bresson (1907–99) French Film Director
Here is the secret of inspiration: Tell yourself that thousands and tens of thousands of people, not very intelligent and certainly no more intelligent than the rest of us, have mastered problems as difficult as those that now baffle you.
—William Feather (1889–1981) American Publisher, Author
The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor. That sums up the progress of an artful leader.
—Max De Pree (1924–2017) American Businessman
May you live every day of your life.
—Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) Irish Satirist
Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.
—Johann Gottfried Herder (1744–1803) German Critic, Poet, Philosopher
Prepare your mind to receive the best that life has to offer.
—Ernest Holmes (1887–1960) American New Thought Writer, Teacher
Most of us who turn to any subject we love remember some morning or evening hour when we got on a high stool to reach down an untried volume, or sat with parted lips listening to a new talker, or for very lack of books began to listen to the voices within, as the first traceable beginning of our love.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The greatest inspiration is often born of desperation.
—Comer Cottrell (1931–2014) American Entrepreneur
Stung by the splendor of a sudden thought.
—Robert Browning (1812–89) English Poet
Quotes are nothing but inspiration for the uninspired.
—Unknown
Had it not been for you, I should have remained what I was when we first met, a prejudiced, narrow-minded being, with contracted sympathies and false knowledge, wasting my life on obsolete trifles, and utterly insensible to the privilege of living in this wondrous age of change and progress.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The best way to get something done is to begin.
—Unknown
Wisdom is supreme; therefore make a full effort to get wisdom. Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honor you.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
The glow of inspiration warms us; it is a holy rapture.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
You beat your Pate, and fancy Wit will come: Knock as you please, there’s no body at home.
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
An idea ran back and forward in his head like a blind man, knocking over the solid furniture.
—Unknown
It is amazingly empowering to have the support of a strong, motivated, and inspirational group of people.
—Susan Jeffers (1938–2012) American Psychologist, Self-Help Author
In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.
—Max De Pree (1924–2017) American Businessman
Invention flags, his brain goes muddy, and black despair succeeds brown study.
—William Congreve (1670–1729) English Playwright, Poet
The inspiration of the almighty gives man understanding.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time.
—Leonard Bernstein (1918–90) American Composer, Conductor
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