The whole modern theory arises from one
fundamental mistake – the idea that romance is in some way a plaything with
life, a figment, a conventionality, a thing upon the outside. No genuine
criticism of romance will ever arise until we have grasped the fact that
romance lies not upon the outside of life but absolutely in the centre of it.
The centre of every man’s existence is a dream. Death, disease, insanity, are
merely material accidents, like toothache or a twisted ankle. That these brutal
forces always besiege and often capture the citadel does not prove that they
are the citadel. The boast of the realist (applying what the reviewers call his
scalpel) is that he cuts into the heart of life; but he makes a very shallow
incision if he only reaches as deep as habits and calamities and sins. Deeper
than all these lies a man’s vision of himself, as swaggering and sentimental as
a penny novelette. The literature of candour unearths innumerable weaknesses
and elements of lawlessness which is called romance. It perceives superficial
habits like murder and dipsomania, but it does not perceive the deepest of sins
– the sin of vanity – vanity which is the mother of all day-dreams and
adventures, the one sin that is not shared with any boon companion, or
whispered to any priest.
-Twelve Types (1902)
Quotes by and posts relating to one of the most influential authors of the 20th century, G.K. Chesterton
A blog dedicated to providing quotes by and posts relating to one of the most influential (and quotable!) authors of the twentieth century, G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936). If you do not know much about GKC, I suggest visiting the webpage of the American Chesterton Society as well as this wonderful Chesterton Facebook Page by a fellow Chestertonian
I also have created a list detailing examples of the influence of Chesterton if you are interested, that I work on from time to time.
(Moreover, for a list of short GKC quotes, I have created one here, citing the sources)
"...Stevenson had found that the secret of life lies in laughter and humility."
-Heretics (1905)
_____________________
I also have created a list detailing examples of the influence of Chesterton if you are interested, that I work on from time to time.
(Moreover, for a list of short GKC quotes, I have created one here, citing the sources)
"...Stevenson had found that the secret of life lies in laughter and humility."
-Heretics (1905)
_____________________
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