The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can't help it.

Quote by Leo Rosten

Topics: Leo Rosten Quotes

Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.

Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.

Any man who hates dogs and babies can't be all bad.

Any man who hates dogs and babies can't be all bad.

Humor is, I think, the subtlest and chanciest of literary forms. It is surely not...

Humor is, I think, the subtlest and chanciest of literary forms. It is surely not...

I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to...

I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to...

Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.

Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.

Extremists think communication means agreeing with them.

Extremists think communication means agreeing with them.

For what is it but an exquisite and priceless chance of salvation due to God...

For what is it but an exquisite and priceless chance of salvation due to God...

If you are going to do something wrong at least enjoy it.

If you are going to do something wrong at least enjoy it.

Humor is, I think, the subtlest and chanciest of literary forms. It is surely not...

Humor is, I think, the subtlest and chanciest of literary forms. It is surely not...

I never cease being dumbfounded by the unbelievable things people believe.

I never cease being dumbfounded by the unbelievable things people believe.

First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people.

First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people.

I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I'm not...

I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I'm not...

A conservative is one who admires radicals centuries after they're dead.

A conservative is one who admires radicals centuries after they're dead.

A writer writes not because he is educated but because he is driven by the...

A writer writes not because he is educated but because he is driven by the...

Why did God give me two ears and one mouth? So that I will hear...

Why did God give me two ears and one mouth? So that I will hear...

Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us...

Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us...

In the dark colony of night, when I consider man's magnificent capacity for malice, madness,...

In the dark colony of night, when I consider man's magnificent capacity for malice, madness,...

Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us...

Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us...

In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others.

In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others.

Most of the time I quote myself. It's not arrogance, it's a writer's job.

Most of the time I quote myself. It's not arrogance, it's a writer's job.