Life runs to death as its goal, and we should go towards that next stage of experience either carelessly as to what must be, or with a good, honest curiosity as to what may be. James Stephens carelesslycuriositydeath Change image and share on social
Man works outwardly and inwardly - after rest, he has energy; after energy, he needs repose; so, when we have given instruction for a time, we need instruction and must receive it, or the spirit faints and wisdom herself grows bitter. James Stephens bitterenergyfaint share on social
In that wide struggle which we call Progress, evil is always the aggressor and the vanquished, and it is right that this should be so, for without its onslaughts and depredations humanity might fall to a fat slumber upon its cornsacks and die snoring. James Stephens aggressorcallcornsacks share on social
Any fool can wash himself, but every wise man knows that it is an unnecessary labour, for nature will quickly reduce him to a natural and healthy dirtiness again. James Stephens dirtinessfoolhealthy Change image and share on social
There is no tragedy more woeful than the victory of hate, nor any attainment so hopelessly barren as the sterility of that achievement; for hate is finality, and finality is the greatest evil which can happen in a world of movement. James Stephens achievementattainmentbarren share on social
To work is nothing; the king on his throne, the priest kneeling before the Holy Altar, all people in all places had to work, but no person at all need be a servant. James Stephens altarholyking Change image and share on social
We are washed both on coming into the world and on going out of it, and we take no pleasure from the first washing nor any profit from the last. James Stephens comepleasureprofit Change image and share on social
Sleep is an excellent way of listening to an opera. James Stephens excellentlistenopus Change image and share on social
We get wise by asking questions, and even if these are not answered, we get wise, for a well-packed question carries its answer on its back as a snail carries its shell. James Stephens answerbackcarry Change image and share on social
