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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This novel is not to be tossed lightly aside, but hurled with great force.
This novel is not to be tossed lightly aside, but hurled with great force.
The decline in literature indicates a decline in the nation. The two keep pace in their downward tendency.
The decline in literature indicates a decline in the nation. The two keep pace in their downward tendency.
I can find my biography in every fable that I read.
I can find my biography in every fable that I read.
University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.
University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.
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.
A great literature is chiefly the product of inquiring minds in revolt against the immovable certainties of the nation.
A great literature is chiefly the product of inquiring minds in revolt against the immovable certainties of the nation.
Till last by Philip's farm I flowTo join the brimming river,For men may come and men may go,But I go read more
Till last by Philip's farm I flowTo join the brimming river,For men may come and men may go,But I go on for ever. - The Brook.
Literary Men are . . . a perpetual priesthood.
Literary Men are . . . a perpetual priesthood.
