21 Quotes by Louis Dudek

A critic at best is a waiter at the great table of literature.

In a poem, the words happen; they just come. I let them. Otherwise, I wouldn't write. To interfere with what is happening is to distort the poem. Just a very small degree of intelligence and supervision is necessary. Very tactful. Any revision later that violates the text as it came, that begins rewriting the words, is fake.

A good reputation is better than fame.

Canada is a country where the serious writers are hockey fans and readers of comic books. They don't play chess.

Art is anything people do with distinction.

Reason to rule, mercy to forgive: The first is law, the last prerogative.

What is forgiven is usually well remembered.

There is no original sin. It’s all been done before.

Imagination should be integrated with life, not turned into a separate activity, art, that monopolizes one’s whole existence.