The whole difference between a man of genius and other men, it has been said a thousand times, and most truly, is that the first remains in great part a child, seeing with the large eyes of children, in perpetual wonder, not conscious of much knowledge--conscious, rather of infinite ignorance, and yet infinite power; a fountain of eternal admiration, delight, and creative force within him meeting the ocean of visible and governable things around him.
John RuskinDo not think it wasted time to submit yourselves to any influence which may bring upon you any noble feeling.
John RuskinIt does not matter what the whip is; it is none the less a whip, because you have cut thongs for it out of your own souls.
John RuskinThe force of the guinea you have in your pocket depends wholly on the default of a guinea in your neighbour's pocket. If he did not want it, it would be of no use to you.
John RuskinOrnamentation is the principal part of architecture, considered as a subject of fine art.
John RuskinWithout seeking, truth cannot be known at all. It can neither be declared from pulpits, nor set down in articles, nor in any wise prepared and sold in packages ready for use. Truth must be ground for every man by itself out of it such, with such help as he can get, indeed, but not without stern labor of his own.
John Ruskin