68 Quotes by James Stephens

Under all wrongdoing lies personal vanity or the feeling that we are endowed and privileged beyond our fellows.

A woman is a branchy tree and man a singing wind; and from her branches carelessly he takes what he can find.

A sword, a spade, and a thought should never be allowed to rust.

Quietness is the beginning of virtue. To be silent is to be beautiful. Stars do not make a noise.

We get wise by asking questions, and even if these are not answered we get wise, for a well-packed question carries its answer on its back as a snail carries its shell.

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.

Chaos is the first condition. Order is the first law. Continuity is the first reflection. Quietude is the first happiness.

If men understood domestic economy half as well as women do, then their political economy and their entire consequent statecraft would not be the futil muddle which it is.

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.