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Quote by Quentin Crisp

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The Last Word: An Autobiography

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Quentin Crisp
Quentin Crisp

Quentin Crisp (December 25, 1908 – November 21, 1999) was an English writer, actor, and social commentator, best known for his flamboyant style and open homosexuality during a time of widespread prejudice. Born Denis Charles Pratt in Sutton, London, he later adopted the name Quentin Crisp. His 1968 autobiography, 'The Naked Civil Servant,' chronicled his life as an openly gay man in conservative Britain, and was adapted into a critically acclaimed TV film starring John Hurt. Crisp also wrote 'How to Have a Style' and 'Manners from Heaven,' and appeared in films like 'Orlando' and 'The Bride.' He moved to New York in the 1980s, becoming a cultural icon known for his wit and advocacy of individuality. He died in Manchester at age 90. more

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“I have been selected to design and administer these unique initiatives because of my prior experience and effectiveness. Past success breeds repeat performances. … What is important are the personality and character traits needed to stand up to criticism and stress, and to labor effectively in a very emotional vineyard—empathy and sensitivity to the plight of those singled out for special consideration; confidence and firmness towards critics. I turn the other cheek when face-to-face with distraught victims or a businessman challenging my pay decisions. Life's unfairness is usually the real source of their anger. The nature of the compensation received is secondary. But a strategic retreat is not an option when critics attack. Self-confidence and firmness become virtues. You cannot allow yourself to be bullied when you are trying to administer a complex policy experiment. The public is usually supportive, appreciative of the difficulty of the task.”

“We dont know much about gods characteristics. However. We can deduce specific traits by observing gods creation. For starters, creativity. There is also a kind of seriousness, with firm natural laws. Serious or not, god has a special kind of humor. And since the world is filled with drama, god might not care about us to the level that we tell ourselves, either that or god, just like us, search for entertainment. Sadly many other emotions and traits are forever left to our imagination.”

“As king, Saul was entrusted with a measure of anointing to lead the armies of Israel to victory and shepherd the people. Yet, without the strength of character that only comes by winning private battles, these public victories exposed the previously hidden weakness of Saul’s heart toward God.”

“The Wholeness Sonnet Free will is not a question of willpower, It is a question of character. Civilization is not a question of etiquette, It is a question of behavior. Order is not a question of law, It is a question of accountability. Harmony is not a question of toleration, It is a question of inclusivity. Peace is not a question of diplomacy, It is a question of nonsectarianism. Progress is not a question of revenue, It is a question of collectivism. When the heart is whole all's well with society. Fragmentation fills the sky with disparity.”

“Shades of Brown (The Sonnet) There is no white skin, There is no black skin. All of us are shades of brown, If we can reason without stereotyping. Climate makes the difference in color, But not in character of the individual. Human character knows no geography, For a being of character is human above all. The idea of race is a myth most foul, Born of ignorance and narrowness. Now we live in a different time, That requires abolition of divisiveness. Discard those traditions and live as sapient. Let's build a world where color ain't relevant.”