A work of art is said to be perfect in proportion as it does not remind the spectator of the process by which it was created. Henry Theodore Tuckerman More Quotes by Henry Theodore Tuckerman More Quotes From Henry Theodore Tuckerman The eye speaks with an eloquence and truthfulness surpassing speech. It is the window out of which the winged thoughts often fly unwittingly. It is the tiny magic mirror on whose crystal surface the moods of feeling fitfully play, like the sunlight and shadow on a still stream. Henry Theodore Tuckerman mirrors eye play There is more or less of pathos in all true beauty. The delight it awakens has an indefinable, and, as it were, luxurious sadness, which is perhaps one element of its might. Henry Theodore Tuckerman elements sadness beauty Reason is not time only interpreter of life. The fountain of action is in time feelings. Henry Theodore Tuckerman action feelings inspirational To analyze the charms of flowers is like dissecting music; it is one of those things which it is far better to enjoy, than to attempt to fully understand. Henry Theodore Tuckerman music flower beauty There is to the poetical sense a ravishing prophecy and winsome intimation in flowers that now and then, from the influence of mood of circumstance, reasserts itself like the reminiscence of childhood, or the spell of love. Henry Theodore Tuckerman childhood influence flower Whatever is genuine in social relations endures, despite of time, error, absence, and destiny; and that which has no inherent vitality had better die at once. A great poet has truly declared that constancy is no virtue, but a fact. Henry Theodore Tuckerman destiny errors facts Had we a privilege of calling up by the power of memory only such passages as were pleasing, unmixed with such as were disagreeable, we might then excite at pleasure an ideal happiness, perhaps more poignant than actual sensation. Henry Theodore Tuckerman privilege might memories It is amusing to detect character in the vocabulary of each person. The adjectives habitually used, like the inscriptions on a thermometer, indicate the temperament. Henry Theodore Tuckerman adjectives vocabulary character There are beauties of character which, like the night-blooming cereus, are closed against the glare and turbulence of every-day life, and bloom only in shade and solitude, and beneath the quiet stars. Henry Theodore Tuckerman stars character night To be a good traveler argues one no ordinary philosopher. A sweet landscape must sometimes be allowed to atone for an indifferent supper, and an interesting ruin charm away the remembrance of a hard bed. Henry Theodore Tuckerman sweet travel interesting The mind's only perfect vassal. Henry Theodore Tuckerman perfect mind The soul, by an instinct stronger than reason, ever associates beauty with truth. Henry Theodore Tuckerman stronger soul beauty Legitimately produced, and truly inspired, fiction interprets humanity, informs the understanding, and quickens the affections. It reflects ourselves, warns us against prevailing social follies, adds rich specimens to our cabinets of character, dramatizes life for the unimaginative, daguerreotypes it for the unobservant, multiplies experience for the isolated or inactive, and cheers age, retirement and invalidism with an available and harmless solace. Henry Theodore Tuckerman cheer retirement character To a nice ear, the quality of a voice is singularly affecting. Its depth seems to be allied to feeling; at least, the contralto notes alone give an adequate sense of pathos. They are born near the heart. Henry Theodore Tuckerman voice nice heart No man flatters the woman he truly loves. Henry Theodore Tuckerman flattery men Let us recognize the beauty and power of true enthusiasm; and whatever we may do to enlighten ourselves and others, guard against checking or chilling a single earnest sentiment. Henry Theodore Tuckerman chill enthusiasm may Credulity is perhaps a weakness almost inseparable from eminently truthful characters. Henry Theodore Tuckerman truthful weakness character The French have a significant saying, that a woman who buys her complexion will sell it. Henry Theodore Tuckerman complexion frailty significant Professed authors who overestimate their vocation are too full of themselves to be agreeable companions. The demands of their egotism are inveterate. They seem to be incapable of that abandon which is the requisite condition of social pleasure; and bent upon winning a tribute of admiration, or some hint which they can turn to the account of pen-craft, there is seldom in their company any of the delightful unconsciousness which harmonizes a circle. Henry Theodore Tuckerman hints circles winning There is a strength of quiet endurance as significant of courage as the most daring feats of prowess. Henry Theodore Tuckerman endurance strength courage
