George Henry Lewes

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

“Originality is independence, not rebellion; it is sincerity, not antagonism.”

“In complex trains of thought signs are indispensable.”

“All good Literature rests primarily on insight.”

“The superiority of one mind over another depends on the rapidity with which experiences are thus organised.”

“Books minister to our knowledge, to our guidance, and to our delight, by their truth, their uprightness, and their art.”

“Sincerity is moral truth.”

“Personal experience is the basis of all real Literature.”

“The public can only be really moved by what is genuine.”

“When a man fails to see the truth of certain generally accepted views, there is no law compelling him to provoke animosity by announcing his dissent.”

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

“Ordinary men live among marvels and feel no wonder, grow familiar with objects and learn nothing new about them.”

“Good writers are of necessity rare.”

“We must never assume that which is incapable of proof.”

“All great authors are seers.”

“No man was ever eloquent by trying to be eloquent, but only by being so.”

“Literature is at once the cause and the effect of social progress.”

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

“The only cure for grief is action.”

“Sincerity is not only effective and honourable, it is also much less difficult than is commonly supposed.”