Every good story is of course both a picture and an idea, and the more they are interfused the better.
HENRY JAMESCriticism talks a good deal of nonsense, but even its nonsense is a useful force. It keeps the question of art before the world, insists upon its importance.
More Henry James Quotes
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There were several ways of understanding her: there was what she said, and there was what she meant, and there was something between the two, that was neither.
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Art is nothing more than the shadow of humanity.
HENRY JAMES -
One doesn’t defend one’s god: one’s god is in himself a defense.
HENRY JAMES -
I hold any writer sufficiently justified who is himself in love with his theme.
HENRY JAMES -
All intimacies are based on differences.
HENRY JAMES -
To take what there is in life and use it, without waiting forever in vain for the preconceived, to dig deep into the actual and get something out of that; this, doubtless, is the right way to live.
HENRY JAMES -
I take up my own pen again – the pen of all my old unforgettable efforts and sacred struggles.
HENRY JAMES -
To live in the world of creation-to get into it and stay in it-to frequent it and haunt it…to think intently and fruitfully, to woo combinations and inspirations into being by a depth and continuity of attention and meditation-this is the only thing.
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if you are going to be pushed you had better jump
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Live as you like best and your character will take care of itself.
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We care what happens to people only in proportion as we know what people are.
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You wanted to look at life for yourself – but you were not allowed; you were punished for your wish.
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Be generous, be delicate, and always pursue the prize.
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He is outside of everything, and alien everywhere. He is an aesthetic solitary.
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I mean that everything this afternoon has been too beautiful, and that perhaps everything together will never be so right again. I’m very glad therefore you’ve been a part of it.
HENRY JAMES