“Talent is extremely common. What is rare is the willingness to endure the life of the writer.”
“I practice Dying--every night-- But have not learned to, still--Though Talented--by Mortal bones-- For such a common Skill.”
“Artistic talent is far more common than the talent to nurture artistic talent.”
“The bottom line on skills is this: A skill is designed to make the secrets of the best easily transferable. If you learn a skill, it will help you get a little better, but it will not cover for a lack of talent. Instead, as you build your strengths, skills will actually prove most valuable when they are combined with genuine talent.”
“Talent was not rare; the ability to survive having it was.”