The deepest quality of a work of art will always be the quality of the mind of the producer...No good novel will ever proceed from a superficial mind.
Henry JamesRead
I don't want everyone to like me; I should think less of myself if some people did.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-worth over the desire for universal acceptance.
Henry James's quote conveys the idea that seeking approval from everyone can diminish one’s self-respect. It suggests that if one is liked by all, it may indicate a lack of depth or integrity in their character, and instead one should prioritize authenticity and self-regard over the superficial approval of others.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech about self-acceptance.
The deepest quality of a work of art will always be the quality of the mind of the producer...No good novel will ever proceed from a superficial mind.
What is character but the determination of incident? What is incident but the illustration of character?
Never say you know the last word about any human heart.
I adore adverbs; they are the only qualifications I really much respect.
We care what happens to people only in proportion as we know what people are.
A swift carriage, of a dark night, rattling with four horses over roads that one can’t see--that’s my idea of happiness.
When you step further into the story you came to live, not only does the mythic territory open, but the deep self moves and the world of imagination and meaning comes towards you.
I can explain my body and my brain, but there's something more. I can't explain my own existence - what makes me a unique human being.
Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory, and the truth of every passion wants some pretence to make it live.
He sat a long time and he thought about his life and how little of it he could ever have foreseen and he wondered for all his will and all his intent how much of it was his doing.
Ill gotten gains will be ill spent.
What you hope, you will eventually believe. _x000D_ What you believe you will eventually know. What you know, you will eventually create. What you create, _x000D_ you will eventually experience. What you experience, _x000D_ you will eventually express. What you express, _x000D_ you will eventually become. _x000D_ This is the formula for all of life.
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