Derren Brown Quotes

The art of living consists in knowing which impulses to obey and which must be made to obey.

The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you.

Control exists only when there is action of will, positively or negatively. Will is resistance. When the mind is learning, there is no resistance.

The most important lesson I've learned in this business is how to say no. I have said no to a lot of temptations, and I am glad I did.

It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.

I don't think I have discipline when it comes to anything.

Indeed, the best way to think of willpower is not as some shapeless behavioral trait but as a sort of psychic muscle, one that can atrophy or grow stronger depending on how it's used.

I'm in control of the positions that I allow myself to be in.

It's easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.

I feel I should be doing stupid stuff, but I'm not going to.

You have convinced me that you are right. Now go out there and force me to do it.

If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self.

I made a decision a few years back to never again do anything professionally that I didn't want to do.

Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

I'll forbear; And am fallen out with my more headier will To take the indisposed and sickly fit For the sound man.

Temptations, unlike opportunities, will always give you many second chances.

Temptations come, as a general rule, when they are sought.

Anyone who seeks to destroy the passions instead of controlling them is trying to play the angel.

I am not driven.

Limitations can be hugely creative and hugely inspiring - so long as they are the ones you choose for yourself. I will not allow anyone to take anything off my palette, but if I do, then within that, I can be creative.

When people have a willpower failure, it's because they haven't anticipated a situation that's going to come along.

I am not unconscious of the persuasive power exerted by these considerations to drag men along in the current; but I am not at liberty to travel that road.

The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.

In the absence of willpower the most complete collection of virtues and talents is wholly worthless.