Authors are far closer to the truths enfolded in mystery than ordinary people, because of that very audacity of imagination which irritates their plodding critics. As only those who dare to make mistakes succeed greatly, only those who shake free the wings of their imagination brush, once in a way, the secrets of the great pale world. If such writers go wrong, it is not for the mere brains to tell them so
Gertrude AthertonHere is a simple recipe to begin with. Get up every morning with the set intention of writing and go to your desk and sit there for three hours, whether you accomplish anything or not. Before long you will find that you are writing madly, not waiting for inspiration.
Gertrude AthertonDid any great genius ever enter the world in the wake of commonplace pre-natal conditions? Was a maker of history ever born amidst the pleasant harmonies of a satisfied domesticity? Of a mother who was less than remarkable, although she may have escaped being great? Did a woman with no wildness in her blood ever inform a brain with electric fire? The students of history know that while many mothers of great men have been virtuous, none have been commonplace, and few have been happy.
Gertrude AthertonI have come to the conclusion that the modern interpretation of the Declaration of Independence is something like this: I am as good as those that think themselves better and a long sight better than those who only think themselves as good.
Gertrude AthertonA long while ago an eager group of reformers wrote to me asking if I could suggest anything that would improve the morals of the American people. I replied that the trouble with the American people in general was not lack of morals but lack of brains.
Gertrude Athertonthere is no greater fraud or bore than the writer who has acquired the art of saying nothing brilliantly.
Gertrude AthertonHas it ever occurred to you, that the rich are at the mercy of the poor, not the poor at that of the rich? Who permits us to be rich if not the poor?
Gertrude AthertonOur impulses are our birthright. To alter personality would be unjust, almost criminal, for the impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances may be necessary for our happiness.
Gertrude AthertonBetter extirpate the whole breed, root and branch. And this, unless the German people come to their senses, is what we propose to do.
Gertrude AthertonIt took me years to learn that character is fate and that no one can be made over.
Gertrude AthertonNew York has always prided itself on its bad manners. That is the real source of our strength.
Gertrude AthertonNo matter how hard a man may labor, some woman is always in the background of his mind. She is the one reward of virtue.
Gertrude Atherton