We work in the dark – we do what we can – we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.
HENRY JAMESTo criticize is to appreciate, to appropriate, to take intellectual possession.
More Henry James Quotes
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Make the short story tremendously succinct – with a very short pulse or rhythm – and the closest selection of detail.
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To myself – today – I need say no more. Large and full and high the future still opens. It is now indeed that I may do the work of my life. And I will.
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The main object of the novel is to represent life. . .
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Be generous, be delicate, and always pursue the prize.
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It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature.
HENRY JAMES -
Young men of this class never do anything for themselves that they can get other people to do for them, and it is the infatuation, the devotion, the superstition of others that keeps them going. These others in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred are women.
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And we know that if it is strong, we are stronger, inasmuch as it passes and we remain.
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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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Don’t underestimate the value of irony-it is extremely valuable.
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I don’t want everyone to like me; I should think less of myself if some people did.
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A man who pretends to understand women is bad manners. For him to really to understand them is bad morals.
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It’s never permitted to be surprised at the aberrations of born fools.
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I hold any writer sufficiently justified who is himself in love with his theme.
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An Englishman’s never so natural as when he’s holding his tongue.
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I call people rich when they’re able to meet the requirements of their imagination.
HENRY JAMES