F. Sionil Jose

As artists, we must not go down to the level of the masa; we should bring them up, intellectualize our languages, create classics out of our folk arts. We can do this if we are true to our roots and strive for excellence. ”

I regret that I have not written more, shouted louder, and acted out my beliefs. ”

In a much larger sense, the problem of Sabah is directly influenced by the duplicity of imperial Britain. For whatever devious reason, the dismantling of the British empire created divisions and violence due to ethnic and religious differences. ”

You can't have integrity for breakfast, but try and keep it because it is perhaps the single most important word that defines not just writers but all human beings. ”

To fund major cultural efforts, we must not rely alone on government and foundation patronage; if the farmer can spend for beer, he can pay for good entertainment which he can understand, which he can identify with and which will fortify his spirit. ”

Tourists as well as natives want to see cultural achievements - whether it's the Banaue Terraces, the old churches or museums. ”

Class - or the economic status of individuals - is evident in all societies, some very well stratified by a rigid caste system determined by birth. ”

Art, whatever form it takes, requires hard work, craftsmanship and creativity. As a writer, I know my grammar, cadence, the music of prose, and the art of the narrative. ”

I find it always pleasurable talking with young people, particularly those aspiring to be writers, out of nostalgia, and because I've always felt that we oldies can learn so much from them and draw from them inspiration in our flagging and rickety years. ”

Self-respect, the value of 'face,' is universal but is most pronounced in China, then in Japan where the Confucian ethic is most influential. ”