Let the past be content with itself, for man needs forgetfulness as well as memory. James Stephens contentforgetfulnessman Change image and share on social
What the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow. James Stephens headhearttoday Change image and share on social
To understand the theory which underlies all things is not sufficient. Theory is but the preparation for practice. James Stephens practicepreparationsufficient Change image and share on social
A man and a woman may become quite intimate in a quarter of an hour. Almost certainly will they endeavour to explain themselves to each other before many minutes have elapsed; but a man and a man will not do this, and even less so will a woman and a woman, for these are parallel lines which will never meet. James Stephens elapseendeavourexplain share on social
Knowledge, may it be said, is higher than magic and is more to be sought. It is quite possible to see what is happening and yet not know what is forward, for while seeing is believing, it does not follow that either seeing or believing is knowing. James Stephens believefollowforward share on social
The inexorable compulsion of all things is towards health or destruction, life or death, and we hasten our joys or our woes to the logical extreme. It is urgent, therefore, that we be joyous if we wish to live. James Stephens compulsiondeathdestruction share on social
Quietness is the beginning of virtue. To be silent is to be beautiful. Stars do not make a noise. James Stephens beautifulbeginmake Change image and share on social
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
Finality is death. Perfection is finality. Nothing is perfect. There are lumps in it. James Stephens deathfinalitylump Change image and share on social
Women and birds are able to see without turning their heads, and that is indeed a necessary provision for they are both surrounded by enemies. James Stephens birdenemyhead Change image and share on social