David Mamet

Directing is the art of telling actors where to move.

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing.

We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories.

Coffee and cigarettes, that's all I need.

The essence of drama is conflict.

Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.

Politics is show business for ugly people.

A writer is someone who writes.

The human animal is a fascinating beast.

Every scene should be a battle.

Loyalty is a word which has worked itself into the world of business.

The world is not a pleasant place to be.

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

Theater is the most beautiful, fraudulent, and cunning art.

You can't con people, at least not for long, if you don't know them.

Writing is its own reward.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.