"And human instinct is ancient and reliable, utterly mysterious and possibly capable of great genius. I believe that refined, fluent instincts are a person's most valuable asset. My own instincts have repeatedly guided me against the grain of logic and probability. When I have trusted and followed their direction, they have never been wrong. I don't know how or why. But I know that every significant experience-positive or negative-sharpens them and makes them more accurate."

6 likes

Source: Augusten Burroughs (2012). “This Is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike.”, p.151, Macmillan

About the author

Augusten Burroughs

Author, Memoirist

Augusten Burroughs is an American author known for his memoir 'Running with Scissors,' which explores themes of mental illness and family dysfunction.

All quotes by Augusten Burroughs →

Same author

More quotes by Augusten Burroughs

See all →
Augusten Burroughs Author, Memoirist

"I can't tell you how much I love Target and Costco, that kind of culture, because it's something I never felt a part of. I've always felt like a tourist because I have never fit in anywhere."

Read quote
Augusten Burroughs Author, Memoirist

"Should I just sit down, right here at carousel seven, and shake until somebody's arms are around me and they're saying, 'It's okay, I'm here, I'm here, come with me to the institute."

Read quote