My thoughts are my company; I can bring them together, select them, detain them, dismiss them. Walter Savage Landor More Quotes by Walter Savage Landor More Quotes From Walter Savage Landor Old trees in their living state are the only things that money cannot command. Walter Savage Landor command states tree I would recommend a free commerce both of matter and mind. I would let men enter their own churches with the same freedom as their own houses; and I would do it without a homily or graciousness or favor, for tyranny itself is to me a word less odious than toleration. Walter Savage Landor mind house men The sublime is contained in a grain of dust. Walter Savage Landor sublime dust time Every good writer has much idiom; it is the life and spirit of language. Walter Savage Landor style language spirit We fancy that our afflictions are sent us directly from above; sometimes we think it in piety and contrition, but oftener in moroseness and discontent. Walter Savage Landor affliction sorrow thinking That which moveth the heart most is the best poetry; it comes nearest unto God, the source of all power. Walter Savage Landor source poetry heart We enter our studies, and enjoy a society which we alone can bring together. We raise no jealousy by conversing with one in preference to another; we give no offence to the most illustrious by questioning him as long as we will, and leaving him as abruptly. Diversity of opinion raises no tumult in our presence: each interlocutor stands before us, speaks or is silent, and we adjourn or decide the business at our leisure. Walter Savage Landor diversity giving long Politeness is not always a sign of wisdom; but the want of it always leaves room for a suspicion of folly, if folly and imprudence are the same. Walter Savage Landor suspicion want rooms Religion is the eldest sister of philosophy: on whatever subjects they may differ, it is unbecoming in either to quarrel, and most so about their inheritance. Walter Savage Landor inheritance philosophy religion Nations, like individuals, interest us in their growth. Walter Savage Landor individual interest growth In honest truth, a name given to a man is no better than a skin given to him; what is not natively his own falls off and comes to nothing. Walter Savage Landor names men fall The only effect of public punishment is to show the rabble how bravely it can be borne; and that every one who hath lost a toe-nail hath suffered worse. Walter Savage Landor nails toes punishment Moroseness is the evening of turbulence. Walter Savage Landor turbulence evening Merit has rarely risen of itself, but a pebble or a twig is often quite sufficient for it to spring from to the highest ascent. There is usually some baseness before there is any elevation. Walter Savage Landor pebbles ascent spring There is a vast deal of vital air in loving words. Walter Savage Landor deals air kindness A little praise is good for a shy temper; it teaches it to rely on the kindness of others. Walter Savage Landor shy kindness littles There are proud men of so much delicacy that it almost conceals their pride, and perfectly excuses it. Walter Savage Landor delicacy pride men It is delightful to kiss the eyelashes of the beloved--is it not? But never so delightful as when fresh tears are on them. Walter Savage Landor eyelashes kissing tears A critic is never too severe when he only detects the faults of an author. But he is worse than too severe when, in consequence of this detection, be presumes to place himself on a level with genius. Walter Savage Landor faults levels genius Circumstances form the character; but, like petrifying matters, they harden while they form. Walter Savage Landor form matter character
