Nature seems to delight in disappointing the assuduities of art, with which it would rear dulness to maturity, and to glory in the vigor and luxuriance of her chance productions. She scatters the seeds of genius to the winds, and… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Some minds corrode and grow inactive under the loss of personal liberty; others grow morbid and irritable; but it is the nature of the… — Washington Irving Copy Share
Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius… — Washington Irving Copy Share
A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands.… — Washington Irving Copy Share
Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest… — Washington Irving Copy Share
I have never found, in anything outside of the four walls of my study, an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing desk with… — Washington Irving Copy Share
There is no character in the comedy of human life more difficult to play well than that of an old bachelor. — Washington Irving Copy Share
He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. He selects that language which will convey his ideas in the most… — Washington Irving Copy Share
A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The heart is her world: it is there her ambition strives for empire; it… — Washington Irving Copy Share
Redundancy of language is never found with deep reflection. Verbiage may indicate observation, but not thinking. He who thinks much says but little in… — Washington Irving Copy Share
History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription molders from the tablet: the statue falls from the pedestal. Columns,… — Washington Irving Copy Share
There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of… — Washington Irving Copy Share
There is nothing in England that exercises a more delightful spell over my imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games… — Washington Irving Copy Share
It is but seldom that any one overt act produces hostilities between two nations; there exists, more commonly, a previous jealousy and ill will,… — Washington Irving Copy Share
