Cole

“Be selfish," he whispered. "Be brave.”
― R.F. Kuang, Babel

“Flaws are human, and the attraction of art is the humanity held in it. If we were machinelike, the art wouldn’t resonate. It would be soulless. With life comes pain, insecurity, and fear. We’re all different and we’re all imperfect, and the imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting. We create pieces reflective of who we are, and if insecurity is part of who we are, then our work will have a greater degree of truth in it as a result. The making of art is not a competitive act. Our work is representative of the self. You would be amiss to say, “I’m not up to the challenge.” Yes, you may need to deepen your craft to fully realize your vision. If you’re not up to it, no one else can do it. Only you can. You’re the only one with your voice.”
― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

“That's just what translation is, I think. That's all speaking is. Listening to the other and trying to see past your own biases to glimpse what they're trying to say. Showing yourself to the world, and hoping someone else understands.”
― R.F. Kuang, Babel

“I just want everything to be like it was," Eileen said. "And for us to be young again and live near each other, and nothing to be different."

Alice was smiling sadly. "But if things are different, can we still be friends?”
― Sally Rooney, Beautiful World, Where Are You