Barbara Walters

"Success can make you go one of two ways — it can make you a prima donna, or it can smooth the edges, take away the insecurities, let the nice things come out."

— Barbara Walters

American Journalist

1929 -

Early success has destroyed both artists and writers.  Just like actors and athletes, writers and artists stumble under the weight of success and often make serious mistakes.  Some stop writing so they can live the life of a writer.  Some start drinking to overcome their anxieties.  Just because the first novel was a huge success doesn't mean the second or third will be.  Now that I am well up there in age, I am glad that I did not have success when I was young.  Success often blocks the creative spirit and one has to spend time playing the role of the great writer or artist.  My wish for you is that when you become successful that you handle it with grace and calm.

Theodore Isaac Rubin

"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."

— Theodore Isaac Rubin

American Author

1923 -

For me, this quote challenges much of what I believe.  While knowledge is something I am constantly seeking, wisdom is something I hope to find one day.  Wisdom has always been more important than knowledge and more difficult to reach.  Then Rubin comes along and says that kindness is even more important than wisdom.  When we look back on our lives, most of what we remember are the relationships we developed.  Have you been kind to the people in your life?  Or have you been so absorbed in your art that you have ignored the people in your life?  When I have read the life stories of some artists and writers, I have found some to be mean and cruel to those they love.  But my question is does it have to be this way.  Can an artist or writer be kind and caring to the people in his life?  What do you think?