Were I asked, what is a fairytale? I should reply, Read Undine: that is a fairytale.
George MacDonaldThe ideal is the only absolute real; and it must become the real in the individual life as well, however impossible they may count it who never tried it.
George MacDonaldHalf of the misery in the world comes from trying to look, instead of trying to be, what one is not.
George MacDonald...it is so silly of people to fancy that old age means crookedness and witheredness and feebleness and sticks and spectacles and rheumatism and forgetfulness! It is so silly! Old age has nothing whatever to do with all that. The right old age means strength and beauty and mirth and courage and clear eyes and strong painless limbs.
George MacDonaldWhen I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacDonald