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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I can find my biography in every fable that I read.
I can find my biography in every fable that I read.
Only two classes of books are of universal appeal. The very best and the very worst.
Only two classes of books are of universal appeal. The very best and the very worst.
Our high respect for a well-read man is praise enough of literature.
Our high respect for a well-read man is praise enough of literature.
Poetry is at least an elegance and at most a revelation.
Poetry is at least an elegance and at most a revelation.
Draw a crazy picture,Write a nutty poem,Sing a mumble-gumble song,Whistle through your comb.Do a loony-goony dance'Cross the kitchen floor,Put something read more
Draw a crazy picture,Write a nutty poem,Sing a mumble-gumble song,Whistle through your comb.Do a loony-goony dance'Cross the kitchen floor,Put something silly in the worldThat ain't been there before.
Literature is a power to be possessed, not a body of objects to be studied.
Literature is a power to be possessed, not a body of objects to be studied.
Arrogance, pedantry, and dogmatism... the occupational diseases of those who spend their lives directing the intellects of the young.
Arrogance, pedantry, and dogmatism... the occupational diseases of those who spend their lives directing the intellects of the young.
Nothing but blackness aboveAnd nothing that moves but the cars...God, if you wish for our love,Fling us a handful of read more
Nothing but blackness aboveAnd nothing that moves but the cars...God, if you wish for our love,Fling us a handful of stars! - Caliban in the Coal Mines.
Little do such men know the toil, the pains, the daily, nightly racking of the brains, to range the thoughts, read more
Little do such men know the toil, the pains, the daily, nightly racking of the brains, to range the thoughts, the matter to digest, to cull fit phrases, and reject the rest.
