I came across one of many great Henri Cartier Bresson quotes as the intro to Howard Zehr’s book The Little Book of Contemplative Photography, Seeing with Wonder, Respect, and Humility (you get that this is right up my alley, right?):

For me the camera is a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity, the master of the instant, which, in visual terms, questions and decides simultaneously. In order to “give  a meaning” to the world, one has to feel oneself involved in what one frames through the viewfinder. This attitude requires concentration, a discipline of mind, sensitivity, and a sense of geometry – it is by great economy of means that one arrives at simplicity of expression. One must always take photographs with the greatest respect for the subject and for oneself.

While I am never one to tell others how to think and behave, I very much agree with/share this experience and approach.

Here’s some more quotes by Bresson, selected by the great John Paul Caponigro. Definitely explore his site/work further if you have not done so.