And, after all, it is style alone by which posterity will judge
of a great work, for an author read more

And, after all, it is style alone by which posterity will judge
of a great work, for an author can have nothing truly his own but
his style.

Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit read more

Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit in pompous words express'd,
Is like a clown in regal purple dress'd.

The flowery style is not unsuitable to public speeches or
addresses, which amount only to compliment. The lighter beauties read more

The flowery style is not unsuitable to public speeches or
addresses, which amount only to compliment. The lighter beauties
are in their place when there is nothing more solid to say; but
the flowery style ought to be banished from a pleading, a sermon,
or a didactic work.
- Voltaire (Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire),

Style is a magic wand, and turns everything to gold that it touches

Style is a magic wand, and turns everything to gold that it touches

Such labour'd nothings, in so strange a style.
Amaze th' learn'd, and make the learned smile.

Such labour'd nothings, in so strange a style.
Amaze th' learn'd, and make the learned smile.

I discovered that what's really important for a creator isn't what we vaguely define as inspiration or even what it read more

I discovered that what's really important for a creator isn't what we vaguely define as inspiration or even what it is we want to say, recall, regret, or rebel against. No, what's important is the way we say it. Art is all about craftsmanship. Others can interpret craftsmanship as style if they wish. Style is what unites memory or recollection, ideology, sentiment, nostalgia, presentiment, to the way we express all that. It's not what we say but how we say it that matters.

A chaste and lucid style is indicative of the same personal
traits in the author.

A chaste and lucid style is indicative of the same personal
traits in the author.

Clearness ornaments profound thoughts.
[Fr., La clarte orne les pensees profondes.]

Clearness ornaments profound thoughts.
[Fr., La clarte orne les pensees profondes.]

Obscurity is the realm of error.
[Fr., L'obscurite est le royaume de l'erreur.]

Obscurity is the realm of error.
[Fr., L'obscurite est le royaume de l'erreur.]