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.

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.

Style! style! why, all writers will tell you that it is the very
thing which can least of all read more

Style! style! why, all writers will tell you that it is the very
thing which can least of all be changed. A man's style is nearly
as much a part of him as his physiognomy, his figure, the
throbbing of this pulse,--in short, as any part of his being is
at least subjected to the action of the will.

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.]

The gloomy comparisons of a disturbed imagination, the melancholy
madness of poetry without the inspiration.

The gloomy comparisons of a disturbed imagination, the melancholy
madness of poetry without the inspiration.

For style beyond the genius never dares.
[Fr., Che stilo oltra l'ingegno non si stende.]

For style beyond the genius never dares.
[Fr., Che stilo oltra l'ingegno non si stende.]

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

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.