807 Quotes by James Joyce

The mystery of esthetic like that of material creation is accomplished. The artist, like the god of the creation, remains within or behind or beyond or above his handiwork, invisible, refined out of existence, indifferent, paring his fingernails.

- You made me confess the fears that I have. But I will tell you also what I do not fear. I do not fear to be alone or to be spurned for another or to leave whatever I have to leave. And I am not afraid to make a mistake, even a great mistake, a lifelong mistake, and perhaps as long as eternity too.

To discover the mode of life or of art whereby my spirit could express itself in unfettered freedom.

Writing in English is the most ingenious torture ever devised for sins committed in previous lives. The English reading public explains the reason why.

What dreams would he have, not seeing. Life a dream for him. Where is the justice being born that way?

What were they now but cerements shaken from the body of death—the fear he had walked in night and day, the incertitude that had ringed him round, the shame that had abased him within and without—cerements, the linens of the grave?His soul had arisen from the grave of boyhood, spurning her graveclothes.

Welcome, O life! I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race.

All things are inconstant except the faith in the soul, which changes all things and fills their inconstancy with light.

By thinking of things you could understand them.