James Stephens
James Stephens
James Stephenswas an Irish novelist and poet...
NationalityIrish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth2 February 1882
CountryIreland
perfect finality lumps
Finality is death. Perfection is finality. Nothing is perfect. There are lumps in it.
giving fit
You must be fit to give before you can be fit to receive.
bird enemy able
Women and birds are able to see without turning their heads, and that is indeed a necessary provision for they are both surrounded by enemies.
giving dare sly
Because our lives are cowardly and sly, Because we do not dare to take or give, Because we scowl and pass each other by, We do not live; we do not dare to live.
lying thinking mind
I would think Until I found Something I can never find; - Something Lying On the ground, In the bottom Of my mind.
joy ends ultimate
Is it not possible that the ultimate end is gaiety and music and a dance of joy?
land independence movement
My three-thousand mile walk through Ireland convinced me of one thing - the possibility of organising a proper movement for the independence of my native land.
wise asking-questions shells
We get wise by asking questions, and even if these are not answered we get wise, for a well-packed question carries its answer on its back as a snail carries its shell.
peace divine spears
Can a spear divine the Eternal Will?
poet lyrical duty
The duty of a lyrical poet is not to express or explain, it is to intensify life.
alone-in-love
It is by love alone that we understand anything
irish-poet
A sword, a spade, and a thought should never be allowed to rust.
beginning quietness silent stars
Quietness is the beginning of virtue. To be silent is to be beautiful. Stars do not make a noise.
brave conquer fear irish-poet
Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.