Books Quote by Voltaire

“The only reward to be expected from the cultivation of literature is contempt if one fails and and hatred if one succeeds.”

— Voltaire

When literature becomes deliberately indifferent to the opposition of good and evil it betrays its function and forfeits all claim to excellence.

— Simone Weil

“Enjoyment of literature is achieved only by reading without expectation but with anticipation.”

— David McDonald

It is with noble sentiments that bad literature gets written.

— Andre Gide

“The ultimate function of literature is to appreciate the world, sometimes indignantly, sometimes sorrowfully, but best of all to praise when it is luckily…

— John Dewey

In urging all writers to be steadfast in reliance on the ultimate victory of excellence, we should no less strenuously urge upon them to…

— George Henry Lewes

There must always be some pretentiousness about literature, or else no one would take its pains or endure its disappointments.

— Glenway Wescott

The duty of literature is to note what counts, and to light up what is suited to the light. If it ceases to choose…

— Anatole France

Literature can train, and exercise, our ability to weep for those who are not us or ours.

— Susan Sontag

Literature is a place for generosity and affection and hunger for equals - not a prizefight ring. We are increased, confirmed in our medium,…

— Tillie Olsen

Literature... is the union of suffering with the instinct for form.

— Thomas Mann

Reverence is fatal to literature.

— E. M. Forster