John Ciardi Quotes

If a man means his writing seriously he must mean to write well. But how can he write well until he learns to see what he has written badly. His progress toward good writing and his recognition of bad writing are bound to unfold at something like the same rate.

You have to fall in love with hanging around words.

Every parent is at some time the father of the unreturned prodigal with nothing to do but keep his house open to hope.

Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves they have a better idea.

Gentility is what is left over from rich ancestors after the money is gone.

A university is what a college becomes when the faculty loses interest in students.

There is nothing wrong with sobriety in moderation.

It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions.