“If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives, jobs and maybe your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail, it could mean derision, mockery, isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And you'll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is.”

— Charles Bukowski

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Simplified Meaning:

When you decide to do something big, give it your all. Don't just go halfway. This might make you lose important things and people, face hunger, cold, and loneliness. You'll be tested to see how much you want it. Keep going even when things seem really bad. In the end, it will be worth it and bring you immense happiness and satisfaction. There's nothing else like it.