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 the question minus the answer.
Literature is the question minus the answer.
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.
'Humph!' grunted Mr. Romford, seeing his worst fears about to be realized. He had dreamt that he had timbled over read more
'Humph!' grunted Mr. Romford, seeing his worst fears about to be realized. He had dreamt that he had timbled over a poodle in the drawing-room, and squirted a bottle of porter right into a lady's face. 'Who's goin' besides ourselves?' asked Romford, wishing to know the worst at once. 'Better be killed than frightened to death,' thought he. - Mr. Facey Romford's Hounds.
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.
There is no human reason why a child should not admire and emulate his teacher's ability to do sums, rather read more
There is no human reason why a child should not admire and emulate his teacher's ability to do sums, rather than the village bum's ability to whittle sticks and smoke cigarettes. The reason why the child does not is plain enough -- the bum has put himself on an equality with him and the teacher has not.
Literature is the thought of thinking Souls.
Literature is the thought of thinking Souls.
The advantage of a classical education is that it enables you to despise the wealth which it prevents you from read more
The advantage of a classical education is that it enables you to despise the wealth which it prevents you from achieving.
Poetry is the impish attempt to paint the color of the wind.
Poetry is the impish attempt to paint the color of the wind.
What passing bells for these who die as cattle?Only the monstrous anger of the guns.Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattleCan read more
What passing bells for these who die as cattle?Only the monstrous anger of the guns.Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattleCan patter out their hasty orisons. - Anthem for Doomed Youth.
