770 Quotes by John Ruskin

A book is written, not to multiply the voice merely, not to carry it merely, but to preserve it. The author has something to say which he perceives to be true and useful, or beautifully helpful.

The great cry that rises from all our manufacturing cities, louder than the furnace blast, is all in very deed for this – that we manufacture everything there except men.

The first test of a truly great man is his humility. By humility I don’t mean doubt of his powers or hesitation in speaking his opinion, but merely an understanding of the relationship of what he can say and what he can do.

No one can explain how the notes of a Mozart melody, or the folds of a piece of Titian’s drapery, produce their essential effects. If you do not feel it, no one can by reasoning make you feel it.

Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort. There must be the will to produce a superior thing.

Without the perfect sympathy with the animals around them, no gentleman’s education, no Christian education, could be of any possible use.

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.

Trust thou thy Love: if she be proud, is she not sweet? Trust thou thy love: if she be mute, is she not pure? Lay thou thy soul full in her hands, low at her feet- Fail, Sun and Breath!-yet, for thy peace, she shall endure.

The object of true education is to make people not merely do the right things, but enjoy them.