The person who concerns himself with lettering enters the realm of the earliest beginnings of human relations: their meaning, their formation, that is an important thing and it justifies a life dedicated to lettering. The ancient Chinese said: There are only three arts, poetry, calligraphy and drawing. These are the arts which through heart, brain and hand, and with a minimum of materials, achieve the highest level of intensity and clarity.
—Friedrich Neugebauer
Quoted in Michael Kecseg's calligraphy piece, "Spirit of the Pen," reprinted in The Speedball Textbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Pen and Brush Lettering (22nd ed.).
