Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Quotes

He who cannot limit himself will never know how to write.

I think I've realized that when you are aiming to create a real body of work, you are as much defined by the things you don't do as by the things you do.

I am a believer in discipline; it takes a lot to do well. You need discipline for those little excursions into the chaotic that make life interesting.

I'm very rigid about my schedule. I sit down at 8 A.M., and the Internet blocker goes on. My standard time is 120 minutes. I'm a compulsive writer, so it reminds me to stop writing... If I write more than that, I turn into an ogre for my kids.

To say that I have an undisciplined mind would not be incorrect overall, but it's a little off the mark because I have great discipline when I write - but only for about ten minutes.

The most difficult thing about painting is the self-discipline. When I finish a job, I give myself a few days, but then I have to discipline myself quite fiercely if I want to do some painting that's worthwhile. Otherwise, you're just doodling. It's much easier when you're just told what you have to do.

For all the fun, don't forget: I always knew when to put my golf balls down and practice.

I think it takes a lot of desire because I think a lot of people who've never written books don't know quite how hard it is to stick with, to put in the amount of time and just make the commitment to just sit there every day and do it while everybody else is out having fun.

It's a funny thing: people often ask how I discipline myself to write. I can't begin to understand the question. For me, the discipline is turning off the computer and leaving my desk to do something else.

Writing is a discipline: it's almost all about holding back.

Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.

Always do one thing less than you think you can do.

You can only bite off so much, so you gotta know what you want to do.

In the beginning, when I was trying to write, I couldn't turn off the outside world to the extent that I can now.

I think I am disciplined when I need to be, and relax when I can.

I think I'm less disciplined than a lot of other people, I'm afraid, but on the other hand, I've written a lot of books.

You have to stay very basic. You have to stay very focused. You have to stay very disciplined.

I like restraint. Even with actors, restraint is something that I work on the most.

Most people have an off switch and they choose when to go all out.

I learned to keep my mouth shut, to keep my hands down, just try to put the ball in the net. That is the best answer.

I was totally sober in college and really, really focused. I just took the time when other people might be partying and just made music and played at the party instead.

Nothing is more important to me than the work itself. If I feel I am getting swayed too much, I take a step back… My focus is also on the performance.

Don't dissipate your powers; strive to concentrate them. Genius thinks it can do whatever it sees others doing, but it will surely repent of every ill-judged outlay.

Come, let’s be calm: no one incapable of restraint was ever a writer.