Quotes
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Professional critics are incapable of distinguishing and appreciating either diamonds in the rough or gold in bars. They are traders, and in literature know only the coins that are current. Their critical lab has scales and weights, but neither crucible or touchstone
The most exquisite words and finest strokes of an author are those which very often appear the most doubtful and exceptionable to a man who wants a relish for polite learning; and they are those which a sour undistinguishing critic generally attacks with the greatest violence
Of his shallow species there is not a more unfortunate, empty and conceited animal than that which is generally known by the name of a critic
It is ridiculous for any man to criticize the works of another if he has not distinguished himself by his own performances
I never knew a critic who made it his business to lash the faults of other writers that was not guilty of greater himself - as the hangman is generally a worse malefactor than the criminal that suffers by his hand
A true critic ought rather to dwell upon excellences than imperfections, to discern the concealed beauties of a writer, and communicate to the world such things as are worth their observation
There is no defense against criticism except obscurity
I criticize by creation - not by finding fault
The care of the critic should be to distinguish error from inability, faults of inexperience from defects of nature
Critics, like the rest of mankind, are very frequently misled by interest
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays
Essays