George Henry Lewes Quotes

Sincerity is moral truth.

It is not true that a man can believe or disbelieve what he will. But it is certain that an active desire to find any proposition true will unconsciously tend to that result by dismissing importunate suggestions which run counter to the belief, and welcoming those which favor it. The psychological law, that we only see what interests us, and only assimilate what is adapted to our condition, causes the mind to select its evidence.

Many a genius has been slow of growth. Oaks that flourish for a thousand years do not spring up into beauty like a reed.

Language, after all, is only the use of symbols, and Art also can only affect us through symbols.

It is unhappily true that much insincere Literature and Art, executed solely with a view to effect, does succeed by deceiving the public.

To one man a stream is so much water-power, to another a rendezvous for lovers.

Imagination is not the exclusive appanage of artists, but belongs in varying degrees to all men.

All bad Literature rests upon imperfect insight, or upon imitation, which may be defined as seeing at second-hand.

Personal experience is the basis of all real literature.

Character is built out of circumstances. From exactly the same materials, one man builds palaces, while another builds hovels.