I am far too much in doubt about the present, far too perturbed .about the future, to be otherwise than profoundly reverential about the past. Augustine Birrell More Quotes by Augustine Birrell More Quotes From Augustine Birrell Good as it is to inherit a library, it is better to collect one. Augustine Birrell library reading book A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in which we, the readers, become conspirators. Augustine Birrell baths reading book Libraries are not made, they grow. Augustine Birrell librarian library history Friendship is a word, the very sight of which in print makes the heart warm. Augustine Birrell sight heart friendship Any ordinary man can...surround himself with two thousand books...and thenceforward have at least one place in the world in which it is possible to be happy. Augustine Birrell happiness men book It is the Mass that matters. Augustine Birrell mass matter There were no books in Eden, and there will be none in heaven Augustine Birrell eden heaven book Great is bookishness and the charm of books. Augustine Birrell charm book It is the Mass the matters. Augustine Birrell mass worship matter History is a pageant and not a philosophy. Augustine Birrell pageant philosophy history That great dust-heap called 'history'. Augustine Birrell world-history dust history Few men can afford to be angry. Augustine Birrell angry anger men A poet's soul must contain the perfect shape of all things good, wise and just. His body must be spotless and without blemish, his life pure, his thoughts high, his studies intense. Augustine Birrell soul wise perfect Poetry should be vital--either stirring our blood by its divine movements or snatching our breath by its divine perfection. To do both is supreme glory, to do either is enduring fame. Augustine Birrell poetry perfection blood The true historian, therefore, seeking to compose a true picture of the thing acted, must collect facts and combine facts. Methods will differ, styles will differ. Nobody ever does anything like anybody else; but the end in view is generally the same, and the historian's end is truthful narration. Maxims he will have, if he is wise, never a one; and as for a moral, if he tell his story well, it will need none; if he tell it ill, it will deserve none. Augustine Birrell style views wise It can never be wrong to give pleasure. Augustine Birrell pleasure giving There are no habits of man more alien to the doctrine of the Communist than those of the collector Augustine Birrell doctrine aliens men The man who has a library of his own collection is able to contemplate himself objectively, and is justified in believing in his own existence. Augustine Birrell library men believe Personally, I am dead against the burning of books. Augustine Birrell burning book It is pleasant to be admitted into the birth-chamber of a great idea destined to be translated into action. Augustine Birrell birth action ideas
