Thomas De Quincey ("The Opium Eater")

Thou hast the keys of Paradise, O just, subtle, and mighty opium!

Thou hast the keys of Paradise, O just, subtle, and mighty opium!

Allow me to offer my congratulations on the truly admirable skill
you have shown in keeping clear of the read more

Allow me to offer my congratulations on the truly admirable skill
you have shown in keeping clear of the mark. Not to have hit
once in so many trials, argues the most splendid talents for
missing.

There is first the literature of knowledge, and secondly, the
literature of power. The function of the first is--to read more

There is first the literature of knowledge, and secondly, the
literature of power. The function of the first is--to teach; the
function of the second is--to move, the first is a rudder, the
second an oar or a sail. The first speaks to the mere discursive
understanding; the second speaks ultimately, it may happen, to
the higher understanding or reason, but always through affections
of pleasure and sympathy.
- Thomas De Quincey ("The Opium Eater"),