William Seward Burroughs II, born on February 5, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a groundbreaking American writer, artist, and countercultural icon. As a central figure in the Beat Generation, he authored influential works like “Naked Lunch” and “Junky,” which explored addiction, societal control, and the human psyche through innovative techniques such as the cut-up method. Burroughs’ career included collaborations with artists like Allen Ginsberg and a lasting impact on literature, film, and music. His quotes, drawn from books, interviews, and public statements, often reflect a raw, philosophical take on life. This article features 15 of his quotes specifically about life, sourced from various mediums to showcase his incisive wisdom. Below is the curated list.
15 William S. Burroughs Quotes
1. “After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say, ‘I want to see the manager.'” (Interview, The Paris Review, 1965)
2. “Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” (Book, “The Job,” 1970)
3. “The cat does not offer services. The cat offers itself.” (Book, “The Cat Inside,” 1986)
4. “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.” (Book, “Naked Lunch,” 1959)
5. “Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” (Interview, BBC Documentary, 1991)
6. “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that must be played.” (Book, “Junky,” 1953)
7. “We are all alone, born alone, die alone, and—in spite of True Romance magazines—we shall all someday look back on our lives and see that, in spite of our company, we were alone the whole way.” (Book, “Queer,” 1985)
8. “The way to kill a man or a nation is to cut off his dreams, the way the whites are taking care of the Indians.” (Interview, Evergreen Review, 1961)
9. “Life is not a task. It is not a problem to be solved. It is a mystery to be lived.” (Attributed in various interviews, n.d.)
10. “You must learn to see life as it is—make your mistakes, win as much as you can.” (Book, “The Western Lands,” 1987)
11. “In the magical universe there are no coincidences and there are no accidents. Nothing happens unless someone wills it to happen.” (Interview, High Times Magazine, 1977)
12. “Life is a cut-up. You have to take the pieces and make something of them.” (Interview, Los Angeles Times, 1983)
13. “The only possible ethic is to do what one wants to do.” (Book, “The Soft Machine,” 1961)
14. “We live in a society where the suppression of self-expression is the norm.” (Interview, BBC Radio, 1960)
15. “Life is a virus, constantly mutating and adapting.” (Book, “Nova Express,” 1964)
These quotes collectively reveal William S. Burroughs as a keen observer of life’s absurdities, emphasizing themes of isolation, freedom, and the chaotic nature of existence. His words challenge us to confront reality with unflinching honesty, blending cynicism with profound insight. Burroughs’ legacy endures in his fearless exploration of the human condition. What do you think of his views? Share your favorite quote or reflections in the comments below.