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
Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being kind is the most important aspect of human life.
This quote emphasizes the fundamental value of kindness in human interactions. Henry James suggests that kindness should be prioritized above all else, implying that it is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships and a fulfilling life.
Themes
KindnessLifeHumanityValuesCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'As Henry James noted, the first, second, and third important things in life are to be kind.'
More from Henry James
All quotes βWhat is character but the determination of incident? What is incident but the illustration of character?
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Never say you know the last word about any human heart.
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I adore adverbs; they are the only qualifications I really much respect.
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We care what happens to people only in proportion as we know what people are.
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A swift carriage, of a dark night, rattling with four horses over roads that one canβt see--thatβs my idea of happiness.
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