That an author's work is the mirror of his mind is a position that has led to very false conclusions. If Satan himself were to write a book it would be in praise of virtue, because the good would purchase it for use, and the bad for ostentation. Charles Caleb Colton More Quotes by Charles Caleb Colton More Quotes From Charles Caleb Colton Criticism is like champagne, nothing more execrable if bad, nothing more excellent if good; if meagre, muddy, vapid and sour, both are fit only to engender colic and wind; but if rich, generous and sparkling, they communicate a genial glow to the spirits, improve the taste, and expand the heart. Charles Caleb Colton criticism heart wind To be a mere verbal critic is what no man of genius would be if he could; but to be a critic of true taste and feeling is what no man without genius could be if he would. Charles Caleb Colton would-be feelings men It may be observed of good writing, as of good blood, that it is much easier to say what it is composed of than to compose it. Charles Caleb Colton writing may blood It is a curious paradox that precisely in proportion to our own intellectual weakness will be our credulity, to those mysterious powers assumed by others; and in those regions of darkness and ignorance where man cannot effect even those things that are within the power of man, there we shall ever find that a blind belief in feats that are far beyond those powers has taken the deepest root in the minds of the deceived, and produced the richest harvest to the knavery of the deceiver. Charles Caleb Colton ignorance taken men In all places, and in all times, those religionists who have believed too much have been more inclined to violence and persecution than those who have believed too little. Charles Caleb Colton too-much violence littles The reign of terror to which France submitted has been more justly termed "the reign of cowardice." One knows not which most to execrate,--the nation that could submit to suffer such atrocities, or that low and bloodthirsty demagogue that could inflict them. France, in succumbing to such a wretch as Robespierre, exhibited, not her patience, but her pusillanimity. Charles Caleb Colton atrocities reign suffering A town, before it can be plundered and, deserted, must first be taken; and in this particular Venus has borrowed a law from her consort Mars. A woman that wishes to retain her suitor must keep him in the trenches; for this is a siege which the besieger never raises for want of supplies, since a feast is more fatal to love than a fast, and a surfeit than a starvation. Inanition may cause it to die a slow death, but repletion always destroys it by a sudden one. Charles Caleb Colton taken law wish The most zealous converters are always the most rancorous when they fail of producing conversion. Charles Caleb Colton zealous conversion failing Some men are very entertaining for a first interview, but after that they are exhausted, and run out; on a second meeting we shall find them flat and monotonous; like hand-organs, we have heard all their tunes. Charles Caleb Colton running men hands We are more inclined to hate one another for points on which we differ, than to love one another for points on which we agree. The reason perhaps is this: when we find others that agree with us, we seldom trouble ourselves to confirm that agreement; but when we chance on those who differ from us, we are zealous both to convince and to convert them. Our pride is hurt by the failure, and disappointed pride engenders hatred. Charles Caleb Colton hate pride hurt We know the effects of many things, but the cause of few; experience, therefore, is a surer guide than imagination, and inquiry than conjecture. Charles Caleb Colton inquiry causes imagination Persecuting bigots may be compared to those burning lenses which Lenhenboeck and others composed from ice; by their chilling apathy they freeze the suppliant; by their fiery zeal they burn the sufferer. Charles Caleb Colton lenses apathy ice That is fine benevolence, finely executed, which, like the Nile, comes from hidden sources. Charles Caleb Colton benevolence fine source When we live habitually with the wicked, we become necessarily either their victim or their disciple; when we associate, on the contrary, with virtuous men, we form ourselves in imitation of their virtues, or, at least, lose every day something of our faults. Charles Caleb Colton wicked faults men It is adverse to talent to be consorted and trained up with inferior minds and inferior companions, however high they may rank. The foal of the racer neither finds out his speed nor calls out his powers if pastured out with the common herd, that are destined for the collar and the yoke. Charles Caleb Colton foals yoke mind Courage is generosity of the highest order, for the brave are prodigal of the most precious things. Charles Caleb Colton generosity brave order Silence is less injurious than a weak reply. Charles Caleb Colton argument silence weak It is not every man that can afford to wear a shabby coat; and worldly wisdom dictates to her disciples the propriety of dressing somewhat beyond their means, but of living somewhat within them,--for every one, sees how we dress, but none see how we live, except we choose to let them. But the truly great are, by universal suffrage, exempted from these trammels, an may live or dress as they please. Charles Caleb Colton dresses men mean A thorough-paced antiquary not only remembers what all other people have thought proper to forget, but he also forgets what all other people think is proper to remember. Charles Caleb Colton remember people thinking Anger is practical awkwardness. Charles Caleb Colton awkwardness practicals anger
