Charles Bukowski

Invent yourself and then reinvent yourself.

Charles Bukowski

It was better for me when I could imagine greatness in others, even if it wasn’t always there.

Charles Bukowski

It’s when you begin to lie to yourself in a poem in order to simply make a poem, that you fail.

Charles Bukowski

Knowledge is knowing as little as possible.

Charles Bukowski

Long before I became ‘rich and famous’ I just sat round drinking wine and staring at the walls.

Charles Bukowski

Most people are much better at saying things in letters than in conversation, and some people can write artistic, inventive letters, but when they try a poem or story or novel they become pretentious.

Charles Bukowski

Most people are not ready for death, theirs or anybody elses.

Charles Bukowski

Most people’s deaths are a sham. There’s nothing left to die.

Charles Bukowski

Much publishing is done through politics, friends, and natural stupidity.

Charles Bukowski

My ambition is handicapped by laziness.

Charles Bukowski