Charles Bukowski Quotes

German-American writer (1920–1994)

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Charles Bukowski (16 August 1920 – 9 March 1994) was a Los Angeles, California poet and novelist sometimes mistakenly associated with Beat Generation writers because of alleged similarities of style and attitude. Bukowski's writing was heavily influenced by the geography and atmosphere of his home city of Los Angeles. He wrote more than fifty books and countless smaller pieces. He is often mentioned as an influence by contemporary authors and his style is frequently imitated.

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Alternative Names: Henry Charles Bukowski • Buk

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Morals were restrictive, but they were grounded on human experience.

"Wouldn't you like to come in and have a cup of tea and dry off?"
"Lady, don't you realize that we don't even have time to pull up our shorts?"
"Pull up your shorts?"
"YES, PULL UP OUR SHORTS!" I screamed at her and walked off into the wall of water.

if you get married they think you're
finished
and if you are without a woman they think you're
incomplete.

If you have the ability to love, love yourself first.

Poetry is what happens when nothing else can.

The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.

If I never see you again
I will always carry you
inside
outside

on my fingertips
and at brain edges

and in centers
centers
of what I am of
what remains.

I've never met another man I'd rather be.