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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In the history of literature there are many great enduring works which were not published in the lifetimes of the read more
In the history of literature there are many great enduring works which were not published in the lifetimes of the authors. If the authors had not achieved self-affirmation while writing, how could they have continued to write? - Nobel Lecture 2000.
I've always believed in writing without a collaborator, because where two people are writing the same book, each believes he read more
I've always believed in writing without a collaborator, because where two people are writing the same book, each believes he gets all the worries and only half the royalties.
In literature as in love we are astounded by what is chosen by others.
In literature as in love we are astounded by what is chosen by others.
The philosophy exam was a piece of cake -- which was a bit of a surprise, actually, because I was read more
The philosophy exam was a piece of cake -- which was a bit of a surprise, actually, because I was expecting some questions on a sheet of paper.
Do not worry about the incarnation of ideas. If you are a poet, your works will contain them without your read more
Do not worry about the incarnation of ideas. If you are a poet, your works will contain them without your knowledge -- they will be both moral and national if you follow your inspiration freely.
Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.
Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.
Good children's literature appeals not only to the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
Good children's literature appeals not only to the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
I made a compact with myself that in my person literature should
stand by itself, of itself, and for read more
I made a compact with myself that in my person literature should
stand by itself, of itself, and for itself.
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
