All James Payn Quotes
It has often struck me that the relation of two important members of the social body to one another has never been sufficiently considered, or treated of, so far as I know, either by the philosopher or the poet.
James Payn
56% of people like this quote
The fact is, if a young man is naturally indolent, the spur of necessity will drive him but a very little way, while the having enough to live upon is often the means of preserving his self-respect.
James Payn
56% of people like this quote
Nor, in our own country, must we fail to take notice of the establishment of School Boards.
James Payn
55% of people like this quote
There are, it is true, at present no great prizes in literature such as are offered by the learned professions, but there are quite as many small ones - competences; while, on the other hand, it is not so much of a lottery.
James Payn
55% of people like this quote
Nature of course is the best guide in the matter of choosing a pursuit.
James Payn
54% of people like this quote
A nobler example, because a less personal one, of the pinch of poverty, is when it prevents the accomplishment of some cherished scheme for the benefit of the human race.
James Payn
53% of people like this quote
It is quite extraordinary how very various are the opinions entertained on this point, and, before sifting them, one must be careful in the first place to eliminate from our inquiry the cases of that considerable class of persons who pinch themselves.
James Payn
52% of people like this quote
In England, literary pretence is more universal than elsewhere from our method of education.
James Payn
52% of people like this quote
Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and driving, when in a position to be driven at all, in that humble vehicle, the 'bus, I have had, perhaps, exceptional opportunities for observing their mutual position and behaviour; and it is very peculiar.
James Payn
51% of people like this quote
One would think that in writing about literary men and matters there would be no difficulty in finding a title for one's essay, or that any embarrassment which might arise would be from excess of material. I find this, however, far from being the case.
James Payn
50% of people like this quote
One forgives the critic - perhaps - but never the good-natured friend.
James Payn
50% of people like this quote
It is certain, indeed, that the sacred writers were apt to make great allowances for people with empty stomachs, and though I am well aware that the present profane ones think this very reprehensible, I venture to agree with the sacred writers.
James Payn
50% of people like this quote
Some Critics on the Hearth are not only good-natured, but have rather too high, or, if that is impossible, let us say too pronounced, an opinion of the abilities of their literary friends.
James Payn
49% of people like this quote
As a rule, anyone who can tell a good story can write one, so there really need be no mistake about his qualification; such a man will be careful not to be wearisome, and to keep his point, or his catastrophe, well in hand.
James Payn
49% of people like this quote
And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose.
James Payn
48% of people like this quote
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