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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Literature is mostly about sex and not much about having children; and life is the other way around.
Literature is mostly about sex and not much about having children; and life is the other way around.
The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-distrust. He guides their eyes from himself read more
The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-distrust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciple.
The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but read more
The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely as you wish.
People do not deserve to have good writings; they are so pleased with bad.
People do not deserve to have good writings; they are so pleased with bad.
Learning why one great book is just like every other great book is the key to understanding literature
Learning why one great book is just like every other great book is the key to understanding literature
Literature is the art of writing something that will be read twice; journalism what will be grasped at once.
Literature is the art of writing something that will be read twice; journalism what will be grasped at once.
The great Creator to revereMust sure become the creature;But still the preaching cant forbear,And ev'n the rigid feature:Yet ne'er with read more
The great Creator to revereMust sure become the creature;But still the preaching cant forbear,And ev'n the rigid feature:Yet ne'er with wits profane to rangeBe complaisance extended;An atheist laugh's a poor exchangeFor deity offended. - Epistle to a Young Friend, An.
I hold it true,what'er befall;I feel it, when I sorrow most;'Tis better to have loved and lostThan never to have read more
I hold it true,what'er befall;I feel it, when I sorrow most;'Tis better to have loved and lostThan never to have loved at all. - In Memoriam.
The death of Dr. Hudson is a loss to the republick of letters.
The death of Dr. Hudson is a loss to the republick of letters.
