 |
| James Russell Lowell: born February 1819 died August 1891 was a famous American author, poet, and critic |
Quotes by James Russell Lowell
It was in making education not only common to all, but in some sense compulsory on all, that the destiny of the free republics of America was practically settled.No man can produce great things who is not thoroughly sincere in dealing with himself.
Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character.
The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers, is that which is woven of conviction and set with the sharp mordant of experience.
There is no better ballast for keeping the mind steady on its keel, and saving it from all risk of crankiness, than business.
There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
Whatever you may be sure of, be sure of this: that you are dreadfully like other people.
Evil springs up, and flowers, and bears no seed, and feeds the green earth with its swift decay, leaving it richer for the growth of truth.
Old events have modern meanings; only that survives of past history which finds kindred in all hearts and lives.
A weed is no more than a flower in disguise, which is seen through at once, if love gives a man eyes.
In creating, the only hard thing’s to begin; a grass blade’s no easier to make than an oak.
He gives only the worthless gold who gives from a sense of duty.
To put more faith in lies and hate than truth and love, is the true atheism.
Beauty hath no true glass, except it be in the sweet privacy of loving eyes.
Endurance is the crowning quality, and patience all the passion of great hearts.
Talent is that which is in a man’s power; genius is that in whose power a man is.
All thoughts that mold the age begin deep down within the primitive soul.
All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.
Each day the world is born anew; for him who takes it rightly.
Who speaks the truth stabs falsehood to the heart.
New occasions teach new duties.
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
Wise skepticism is the first attribute of a good critic.
Silence is sorrow’s best food.
Nature fits all her children with something to do.
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
