“Fight any instinct to be humorless, for humorlessness is the worst of all absurdities.”

Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.

My method is simple: not to bother about poetry. It must come of its own accord. Merely whispering its name drives it away.

The speed of a runaway horse counts for nothing.

Never do what a specialist can do better. Discover your own specialty. Do not despair if your specialty appears to be more delicate, a lesser thing. Make up in finesse what you lose in force.

If a poet has a dream, it is not of becoming famous, but of being believed.

The prettiest dresses are worn to be taken off.

Since these mysteries exceed my grasp, I shall pretend to have organized them.

We are in a period of such individualism that one no longer speaks of disciples; one speaks of thieves.

Not only should you not accept a prize. You should not try to deserve one either.

Beauty cannot be recognized with a cursory glance.

Children and lunatics cut the Gordian knot which the poet spends his life patiently trying to untie.

Wealth is an inborn attitude of mind, like poverty. The pauper who has made his pile may flaunt his spoils, but cannot wear them plausibly.

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

You’ve never seen death? Look in the mirror every day and you will see it like bees working in a glass hive.

Every day in the mirror I watch death at work.

Since the day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.

I’m looking forward to fighting Chisora, getting him out of the way, and then fighting Klitschko for all the belts, but I don’t think Wladimir is going to take the fight.

A fighter has to know fear.

I’ve been fighting my whole career to show a different side and prove naysayers – not prove them wrong, because I don’t think you should get your energy from negative people.

The religion is a personal thing in my life and fighting in the ring, it’s boxing. It’s my profession. God always gives me strength.

I already know what boxers do; I’ve been in it all my life. I know what they do, and I know how they prepare.

I want to convey to women across the globe that they aren’t weak. They can fight for themselves and get justice.

I’ve not been paid millions of pounds for any fights. I’ve not made any money out of boxing.

I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years.