He opens himself to all influences—everything nourishes him. Everything is gravy to him, including what he does not understand—particularly what he does not understand.

About Henry Miller

Henry Valentine Miller (December 26, 1891 – June 7, 1980) was an American novelist, short story writer and essayist. He broke with existing literary forms and developed a new type of semi-autobiographical novel that blends character study, social criticism, philosophical reflection, stream of consciousness, explicit language, sex, surrealist free association,...

More quotations from Henry Miller

I have always looked upon decay as being just as wonderful and rich an expression of life as growth.

—Henry Miller

Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.

—Henry Miller

acceptance destiny imperative

Now and then, at the sulfur baths, I meet a perfect specimen of health and vitality who was given up by the doctors years ago. They all tell the same story; they forgot their ailments, they ignored them, they found something to do—something of a serviceable nature—which made them forget themselves.

—Henry Miller

health vitality

It's good to be just plain happy; it's a little better to know that you're happy; but to understand that you're happy and to know why and how… and still be happy, be happy in the being and the knowing, well that is beyond happiness, that is bliss, and if you have any sense you ought to kill yourself on the spot and be done with it.

—Henry Miller

Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack.

—Henry Miller

body

History

1 Jan 2016 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

He opens himself to all influences — everything nourishes him. Everything is gravy to him, including what he does not understand — particularly what he does not understand.