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"),
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Poetry is life distilled.
Poetry is life distilled.
A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education.
A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education.
But, indeed, we prefer books to pounds; and we love manuscripts
better than florins; and we prefer small pamphlets read more
But, indeed, we prefer books to pounds; and we love manuscripts
better than florins; and we prefer small pamphlets to war horses.
Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money.
Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money.
Universities incline wits to sophistry and affectation.
Universities incline wits to sophistry and affectation.
The writer in western civilization has become not a voice of his tribe, but of his individuality. This is a read more
The writer in western civilization has become not a voice of his tribe, but of his individuality. This is a very narrow-minded situation.
The dancing pair that simply sought renown,By holding out to tire each other down;The swain mistrustless of his smutted face,While read more
The dancing pair that simply sought renown,By holding out to tire each other down;The swain mistrustless of his smutted face,While secret laughter titter'd round the place;The bashful virgin's side-long looks of love,The matrons glance that would those looks reprove:These were thy charms, sweet village; sports like these,With sweet succession, taught e'en toil to please;These were thy bowers their cheerful influence shed,These were thy charms -- but all these charms are fled. - Deserted Village, The.
Literature is the thought of thinking Souls.
Literature is the thought of thinking Souls.
A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.
A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.
