In the first part of our ‘Words of Wisdom’ series we explore the concept of career. Acclaimed Egyptian aphorist and poet Yahia Lababidi shares some of his words that are sure to inspire and make one think. Illustrations kindly provided by artist Allen Forrest.


 

“Only in an Age of Marketing, is it desirable for a human being to become a brand.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“A great artist is composed of three: the reckless drunk who creates, the professional bore who edits and the heartless critic who assesses”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“Papercuts:  battle scars of the office clerk.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“If variety is the spice of life, does that make monotony the main dish”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“The danger of cynicism is getting what you believe in: nothing.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“Remember, where there is envy there is admiration, grown sick”

 

by Allen Forrest

 

“Politics: what makes smart people sound stupid and stupid people sound smart.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“Some silences are more damning than words; they are actions.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“True artists disturb the false peace, also known as complacency.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“Fear of success betrays a greater self-mistrust than fear of failure.”

 

by Allen Forrest

 

“Real difficulties are manageable; it’s imaginary ones that are insurmountable.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“To grow older is to grow tired… of pretending.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 

“There is freedom in not needing to possess what you admire.”

 

by Allen Forrest
by Allen Forrest

 


 

Graphic artist and painter Allen Forrest was born in Canada and bred in the U.S. He is the winner of the Leslie Jacoby Honor for Art at San Jose State University’s Reed Magazine and his Bel Red painting series is part of the Bellevue College Foundation’s permanent art collection. You can see more of Allen Forrest’s work on his website