Social opinion is like a sharp knife. There are foolish people who regard it only with terror, and dare not touch or meddle with it. There are more foolish people, who, in rashness or defiance, seize it by the blade, and get cut and mangled for their pains. And there are wise people, who grasp it discreetly and boldly by the handle, and use it to carve out their own purposes.
Anna Brownell JamesonA king or a prince becomes by accident a part of history. A poet or an artist becomes by nature and necessity a part of universal humanity.
Anna Brownell Jamesonthe distinction between talent and genius is definite. Talent combines and uses; genius combines and creates.
Anna Brownell JamesonChill penury weighs down the heart itself; and though it sometimes be endured with calmness, it is but the calmness of despair.
Anna Brownell Jameson