The only legitimate artists in England are the architects.
“The only legitimate artists in England are the architects.” Benjamin … Read More
This is an age of intellectual sauces, of essence, of distillation. We have conclusions without deductions, abridgments of history and abridgments of science without leading facts. We have animals for literature, Cabinet Encyclopaedias, Family Libraries, Diffusion Societies, and heaven knows what else! What is all this for? Not to add knowledge to the learned, but to tell points to the ignorant, without giving them the trouble to acquire the links. Oh! it is sad work. And the result will be injurious to all classes.
“This is an age of intellectual sauces, of essence, of distillation. … Read More
Genius is nothing more than common faculties refined to a greater intensity. There are no astonishing ways of doing astonishing things. All astonishing things are done by ordinary materials.
“Genius is nothing more than common faculties refined to a greater … Read More
Mistrusts sometimes come over one’s mind of the justice of God. But let a real misery come again, and to whom do we fly? To whom do we instinctively and immediately look up?
“Mistrusts sometimes come over one’s mind of the justice of God. … Read More
Satan is to be punished eternally in the end, but for a while he triumphs.
“Satan is to be punished eternally in the end, but for … Read More
Some persons are so devotional they have not one bit of true religion in them.
“Some persons are so devotional they have not one bit of … Read More
How difficult it is to get men to believe that any other man can or does act from disinterestedness!
“How difficult it is to get men to believe that any … Read More
Newton’s health, and confusion to mathematics.
“Newton’s health, and confusion to mathematics.” Benjamin Haydon
It is better to make friends than adversaries of a conquered race.
“It is better to make friends than adversaries of a conquered … Read More
Men of genius are often considered superstitious, but the fact is, the fineness of their nerve renders them more alive to the supernatural than ordinary men.
“Men of genius are often considered superstitious, but the fact is, … Read More
Do your duty, and don’t swerve from it. Do that which your conscience tells you to be right, and leave the consequences to God.
“Do your duty, and don’t swerve from it. Do that which … Read More
To procrastinate seems inherent in man, for if you do to-day that you may enjoy to-morrow it is but deferring the enjoyment; so that to be idle or industrious, vicious or virtuous, is but with a view of procrastinating the one or the other.
“To procrastinate seems inherent in man, for if you do to-day … Read More
One of the surest evidences of an elevated taste is the power of enjoying works of impassioned terrorism, in poetry, and painting. The man who can look at impassioned subjects of terror with a feeling of exultation may be certain he has an elevated taste.
“One of the surest evidences of an elevated taste is the … Read More
Temperance in everything is requisite for happiness.
“Temperance in everything is requisite for happiness.” Benjamin Haydon
The safest principle through life, instead of reforming others, is to set about perfecting yourself.
“The safest principle through life, instead of reforming others, is to … Read More
The explanation of the propensity of the English people to portrait painting is to be found in their relish for a Fact. Let a man do the grandest things, fight the greatest battles, or be distinguished by the most brilliant personal heroism, yet the English people would prefer his portrait to a painting of the great deed. The likeness they can judge of; his existence is a Fact. But the truth of the picture of his deeds they cannot judge of, for they have no imagination.
“The explanation of the propensity of the English people to portrait … Read More
There must be more malice than love in the hearts of all wits.
“There must be more malice than love in the hearts of … Read More
Never let your love for your profession overshadow your religious feeling. Depend on it that religion will strengthen, not weaken, your energies, and will not only make you a better sailor, but a superior man. Professional studies are not to be neglected; but, on the other hand, take care how you fall into the common error of believing they are the remedy for all the ills of life.
“Never let your love for your profession overshadow your religious feeling. … Read More
Nothing is difficult; it is only we who are indolent.
“Nothing is difficult; it is only we who are indolent.” … Read More
Invention is totally independent of the will.
“Invention is totally independent of the will.” Benjamin Haydon