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James Stephens
68quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
#### James Stephens
James Stephens was a renowned Irish poet, novelist, and playwright who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century Irish literature.
Birth and Death Dates
September 2, 1882 - June 13, 1950
Nationality and Profession(s)
Irish; Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Early Life and Background
James Stephens was born in Dublin, Ireland, to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by hardship and struggle, but he found solace in literature and poetry from an early age. He attended the University of Dublin, where he developed his writing skills and began to make a name for himself as a poet.
Major Accomplishments
Stephens' writing career spanned over four decades, during which he published numerous collections of poetry, novels, and plays. Some of his most notable works include "The Crock of Gold," "The Demi-Gods," and "Etched in the Moonlight." His writings often explored themes of Irish identity, mythology, and the human condition.
Notable Works or Actions
Stephens' most famous work is arguably "The Crock of Gold," a novel that tells the story of an Irishman's search for spiritual enlightenment. The book is notable not only for its literary merit but also for its exploration of themes that were central to Irish identity and culture at the time.
Impact and Legacy
Stephens' writing had a profound impact on Irish literature and culture. He was instrumental in shaping the country's literary landscape and paving the way for future generations of writers. His work continues to be widely read and studied today, and his influence can be seen in the writings of many notable authors.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stephens is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful and poetic observations on life and literature. His writing often expressed a deep sense of empathy and understanding, which has resonated with readers around the world. As a poet and novelist, he was able to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that continues to inspire and move people today.
"The great glory of Ireland is its poetry. It is the one thing in which she surpasses every other nation."
— James Stephens
This quote captures the essence of Stephens' writing philosophy: his deep love for Irish culture and literature, as well as his recognition of the power of words to capture the human experience.
Throughout his life, Stephens was committed to preserving and promoting Irish culture through his writing. He believed that literature had the power to shape society and inspire positive change, which is reflected in his own work. Today, he remains an important figure in Irish literary history, and his writings continue to be widely read and studied around the world.
"The poet's mind is a mirror of the universe."
— James Stephens
This quote highlights Stephens' poetic philosophy: that literature has the power to reflect and capture the essence of human experience. His own writing continues to inspire readers with its beauty, depth, and insight into the human condition.
Quotes by James Stephens
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In my opinion, they were good men— men that is, who willed no evil. No person living is the worse off for having known Thomas MacDonagh.
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If I asked her master he'd give me a cask a day; / But she with the beer at hand, not a gill would arrange! / May she marry a ghost and bear him a kitten and may / The High King of Glory permit her to get the mange.
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The wind stood up and gave a shout. / He whistled on his fingers and / Kicked the withered leaves about / And thumped the branches with his hand / And said that he'd kill and kill, / And so he will and so he will.
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And there the goats, day after day, / Stray in sunny quietness, / Cropping here and cropping there, / As they pause and turn and pass, / Now a bit of heather spray, / Now a mouthful of the grass.
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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.
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The toxin generates the anti-toxin. The end lies concealed in the beginning. All bodies grow around a skeleton. Life is a petticoat about death.
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Even the wind had ceased, and there seemed to be nothing in the world but the darkness and himself. In that gigantic blackness, in that unseen quietude and vacancy, the mind could cease to be personal to itself. It could be overwhelmed and merged in space, so that consciousness would be transferred or dissipated, and one might sleep standing; for the mind fears loneliness more than all else, and will escape to the moon rather than be driven inwards on its own being.
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The chief business of the gods is to give protection and assistance to such of their people as require it; but... they cannot give any help until it is demanded, the free-will of mankind being the most jealously guarded and holy principle in life; therefore, the interference of the loving gods comes only on an equally loving summons.
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