text,updated_at,metaphor,created_at,context,theme,reviewed_on,dictionary,comments,provenance,id,work_id
"This double feeling is of various kinds and various degrees; some minds receiving a colour from the objects around them, like the effects of the sun beams playing thro' a prism; and others, like the cameleon, having no colours of their own, take just the colours of what chances to be nearest them. And it must be observed, that the greater degree a man is accustomed to assume of artificial feeling, the more probability is there that he has no character of his own on which we can depend, unless indeed he be born of an uncommon degree of firmness: hence it is that the French, who are celebrated as the politest people in Europe, and in conformity with the ideas which I have just now mentioned, may be considered as perpetual comedians, have the least original character, and have been censured as fickle and false: whereas the English, who have a plain bluntness of behaviour, are truly a nation of originals, and are universally allowed to be remarkably honest. But laying aside natural prejudice, and judging candidly, we must confess that the politeness of the French makes them much happier; because from the continual habit of working themselves into an agreeable frame—into complacency and self-satisfaction, they actually enjoy those blessings; and the falseness for which they are censured, is not tainted with malignity; for it is only volatility and changeableness.
(p. 470)",2012-06-28 18:21:50 UTC,"""This double feeling is of various kinds and various degrees; some minds receiving a colour from the objects around them, like the effects of the sun beams playing thro' a prism; and others, like the cameleon, having no colours of their own, take just the colours of what chances to be nearest them.""",2012-06-28 18:21:50 UTC,Essay II,"",,Beasts and Optics,"",Reading,19810,7267
"In this manner an attachment to the design naturally produces that regularity of imagination, that capacity of avoiding foreign, useless, and superfluous conceptions, at the same time that none necessary or proper are passed by, which is always most perfect in the greatest geniuses, and constitutes no inconsiderable part of their excellence. As acuteness of smell carries a dog along the path of the game for which he searches, and secures him against the danger of quitting it, upon another scent: so this happy structure of imagination leads the man of genius into those tracks where the proper ideas lurk, and not only enables him to discover them, but, by a kind of instinctive infallibility, prevents him from turning aside to wander in improper roads, or to spend his time in the contemplation of unapposite ideas. As the bee extracts from such flowers as can supply them, the juices which are proper to be converted into honey, without losing its labour in sipping those juices which would be pernicious, or in examining those vegetables which are useless; so true genius discovers at once the ideas which are conducive to its purpose, without at all thinking of such as are unnecessary or would obstruct it. The extent of Homer's imagination is not more remarkable than its regularity. Poets of inferiour genius would have comprehended a history of the Trojan war in one of his poems, and all the events of the life of Ulysses in the other: but his correct imagination admits no detail inconsistent with the unity of the fable, no shining episode that can be deemed unconnected with the subject, nor a single image unsuitable to the nature of his work. In the writings of Newton, we scarce find any observation that is superfluous, any experiment whose force is fully implied in any other, any question or problem which has not something peculiar.
(I.iii, pp. 47-9)
",2013-06-27 03:23:30 UTC,"""As acuteness of smell carries a dog along the path of the game for which he searches, and secures him against the danger of quitting it, upon another scent: so this happy structure of imagination leads the man of genius into those tracks where the proper ideas lurk, and not only enables him to discover them, but, by a kind of instinctive infallibility, prevents him from turning aside to wander in improper roads, or to spend his time in the contemplation of unapposite ideas.""",2013-06-27 03:23:30 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",Reading in C-H Lion,21168,7486
"In this manner an attachment to the design naturally produces that regularity of imagination, that capacity of avoiding foreign, useless, and superfluous conceptions, at the same time that none necessary or proper are passed by, which is always most perfect in the greatest geniuses, and constitutes no inconsiderable part of their excellence. As acuteness of smell carries a dog along the path of the game for which he searches, and secures him against the danger of quitting it, upon another scent: so this happy structure of imagination leads the man of genius into those tracks where the proper ideas lurk, and not only enables him to discover them, but, by a kind of instinctive infallibility, prevents him from turning aside to wander in improper roads, or to spend his time in the contemplation of unapposite ideas. As the bee extracts from such flowers as can supply them, the juices which are proper to be converted into honey, without losing its labour in sipping those juices which would be pernicious, or in examining those vegetables which are useless; so true genius discovers at once the ideas which are conducive to its purpose, without at all thinking of such as are unnecessary or would obstruct it. The extent of Homer's imagination is not more remarkable than its regularity. Poets of inferiour genius would have comprehended a history of the Trojan war in one of his poems, and all the events of the life of Ulysses in the other: but his correct imagination admits no detail inconsistent with the unity of the fable, no shining episode that can be deemed unconnected with the subject, nor a single image unsuitable to the nature of his work. In the writings of Newton, we scarce find any observation that is superfluous, any experiment whose force is fully implied in any other, any question or problem which has not something peculiar.
(I.iii, pp. 47-9)",2013-06-27 03:24:38 UTC,"""As the bee extracts from such flowers as can supply them, the juices which are proper to be converted into honey, without losing its labour in sipping those juices which would be pernicious, or in examining those vegetables which are useless; so true genius discovers at once the ideas which are conducive to its purpose, without at all thinking of such as are unnecessary or would obstruct it.""",2013-06-27 03:24:38 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",Reading in C-H Lion,21169,7486
"Enthusiasm has been generally considered as a very common, if not an inseparable attendant of genius. Poets have been looked upon as inspired, both by themselves and others. No man can be an accomplished orator, who is not possessed of such sensibility of heart, as to be actuated, at pleasure, by the passions which he would excite in others. Even the speculative philosopher and the cool mathematician have often displayed a very high degree of ardor in the exertion of their genius. The explication which has been given of the nature of genius, will not only enables us to account for this, but incline us also to reckon it impossible that ever an high degree of genius should be unaccompanied with something of that elevation and warmth of imagination, which we term enthusiasm. Genius turns our thoughts habitually to such subjects as are adapted to it; habitual application to any subject, enables us to form strong and lively conceptions of every thing relating to it; a strong conception naturally invigorates and elevates the imagination in contemplating it; and while this frame continues, all the actions of the mind will be strong and vehement. Such is the disposition with which a man of genius turns his view to any subject; as soon as he begins to think how it may be compleated, he eyes it as a rich treasure, with delight and conscious pride; he triumphs in the prospect of forming ""--he knows not what excelling things,"" and pursues all the associations which it presents, with incredible eagerness and spirit. When an ingenious track of thinking presents itself, though but casually, to true genius, occupied it may be with something else, imagination darts alongst it with great rapidity; and by this rapidity its ardor is more inflamed. The velocity of its motion sets it on fire, like a chariot wheel which is kindled by the quickness of its revolution. As a sprightly courser continually mends his pace, so genius, in proportion as it proceeds in its subject, acquires new force and spirit, which urges it on so vehemently, that it cannot be restrained from prosecuting it. Difficulties in the execution only excite its vigour, rouse its keenness, and draw out its utmost efforts to surmount them. Its motions become still more impetuous, till the mind is enraptured with the subject, and exalted into an extasy. In this manner the fire of genius, like a divine impulse, raises the mind above itself, and by the natural influence of imagination actuates it as if it were supernaturally inspired. The ardor which thus springs from the exertion of genius, has sometimes risen to a degree of fervour perfectly astonishing. Archimedes, Protogenes, and Parmegiano,are said to have been so totally entranced, the two latter in painting, and the former in the less enthusiastic investigation of mathematical truth, as not to be diverted from their works by all the terrors of hostile armies taking by storm the places where they were employed. It is reported of Marini, that he was so intent on revising some stanzas of his Adonis, that he suffered one of his legs to be burnt for a considerable time, before he was sensible of it.--We may remark farther, That as a kind of enthusiastic ardour naturally arises from the exertion of genius, so this ardour greatly assists and improves the operations of genius. By elevating and enlivening the fancy, it gives vigour and activity to its associating power, enables it to proceed with alacrity in searching out the necessary ideas; and at the same time, by engrossing us wholly in the present subject, preserves us from attending to foreign ideas, which would confound our thought, and retard our progress.
(I.iii, pp. 66-9)",2013-06-27 18:07:03 UTC,"""As a sprightly courser continually mends his pace, so genius, in proportion as it proceeds in its subject, acquires new force and spirit, which urges it on so vehemently, that it cannot be restrained from prosecuting it.""",2013-06-27 18:07:03 UTC,"","",,Animals,"Is the courser a horse, a dog, or a person? ",Reading in C-H Lion,21180,7486
"This internal power of perception, which we distinguish by the name of TASTE, and which we have shewn to be so necessary for enabling us to judge properly concerning works of imagination, does not appear to be requisite, in the same degree, in the researches of Science. In this department, reason reassumes the reins, points out and prescribes the flight of fancy, assigns the office, and determines the authority of taste, which, as we have already observed, must here be contented to act a secondary part. In philosophical speculations a constant appeal is made to the faculty of Reason, not to that of Imagination; principles are laid down, arguments are adduced, phenomena are explained, and their consequences investigated. Hence it follows, that in the whole process judgment is much more exercised than taste. Yet some scope is also afforded for the exercise of the latter faculty; for as all discoveries in Science are the work of imagination, which will be afterwards particularly shewn; so taste may be very properly exerted in the illustration of those discoveries which have obtained the sanction of reason; provided that, in this case, taste and imagination act under the direction, and submit to the controling power of judgment.
(pp. 16-7)",2013-07-01 16:50:33 UTC,"""In this department, reason reassumes the reins, points out and prescribes the flight of fancy, assigns the office, and determines the authority of taste, which, as we have already observed, must here be contented to act a secondary part.""",2013-07-01 16:50:33 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",C-H Lion,21358,7498
"With respect to a Genius for Eloquence, its characteristical indications are essentially the same with those which denote a talent for Poetry. The same creative power, the same extent and force, the same impetuosity, and fire of Imagination, distinguish both almost in an equal degree; with this difference only, that the latter is permitted to range with a LOOSER rein than is indulged to the former, which, though it may dare to emulate the boldness and sublimity of poetic inspiration, is not allowed to SPORT and WANTON with such WILDNESS and LUXURIANCE.
(pp. 44-5)",2013-07-01 16:53:54 UTC,"""The same creative power, the same extent and force, the same impetuosity, and fire of Imagination, distinguish both almost in an equal degree; with this difference only, that the latter is permitted to range with a LOOSER rein than is indulged to the former, which, though it may dare to emulate the boldness and sublimity of poetic inspiration, is not allowed to SPORT and WANTON with such WILDNESS and LUXURIANCE.""",2013-07-01 16:53:54 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",C-H Lion,21362,7498
"Should such a Genius arise, he could not desire a nobler field for the display of an exuberant Imagination, than what the spiritual world, with its strange inhabitants, will present to him. In describing the nature and employment of those visionary beings, whose existence is fixed in a future state, or of those who exist in the present, or may be supposed to inhabit the ""midway air,"" but are possessed of certain powers and faculties, very different from what are possessed by mankind, he is not, as in describing human characters, restricted to exact probability, much less to truth: for we are in most instances utterly ignorant of the powers of different or superior beings; and, consequently, are very incompetent judges of the probability or improbability of the particular influence, or actions attributed to them. All that we require of a Poet therefore, who pretends to exhibit characters of this kind, is, that the incidents, in effectuating which they are supposed to be concerned, be possible, and consonant to the general analogy of their nature; an analogy, founded not upon truth or strict probability, but upon common tradition or popular opinion. It is evident therefore that the Poet, who would give us a glimpse of the other world, and an idea of the nature, employment, and manner of existence of those who inhabit it, or of those other imaginary beings, who are in some respects similar to, but in others totally different from mankind, and are supposed to dwell on or about this earth, has abundant scope for the exercise of the most fertile Invention. This ideal region is indeed the proper sphere of Fancy, in which she may range with a loose rein, without suffering restraint from the severe checks of Judgment; for Judgment has very little jurisdiction in this province of Fable. The invention of the supernatural characters above-mentioned, and the exhibition of them, with their proper attributes and offices, are the highest efforts and the most pregnant proofs of truly ORIGINAL Genius.
(pp. 141-2)",2013-07-01 18:13:53 UTC,"
This ideal region is indeed the proper sphere of Fancy, in which she may range with a loose rein, without suffering restraint from the severe checks of Judgment; for Judgment has very little jurisdiction in this province of Fable.""",2013-07-01 18:13:53 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",C-H Lion,21377,7498
"It deserves however to be observed, that the imperfection here suggested, is a natural effect and a certain proof of an exuberant Imagination. Ordinary minds seldom rise above the dull uniform tenor of common sentiments, like those animals that are condemned to creep on the ground all the days of their life; but the most lawless excursions of an original Genius, like the flight of an eagle, are towering, though devious; its path, as the course of a comet, is blazing, though irregular; and its errors and excellencies are equally inimitable.
(pp. 167-8)",2013-07-01 18:21:06 UTC,"""Ordinary minds seldom rise above the dull uniform tenor of common sentiments, like those animals that are condemned to creep on the ground all the days of their life; but the most lawless excursions of an original Genius, like the flight of an eagle, are towering, though devious; its path, as the course of a comet, is blazing, though irregular; and its errors and excellencies are equally inimitable.""",2013-07-01 18:21:06 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",C-H Lion,21382,7498
"281. Love, Gallantry.
As different as these words may appear, they have, nevertheless, been, and, are still, frequently, used, as synonymous, when intended to imply courtship. It may not be then unnecessary, to point out their peculiar ideas.
Love, is more sanguine, than gallantry; having for its object, the person, whom we are studious to please, through a view of possessing; and, whom we love as much, on her account, as our own: it takes possession of the heart, suddenly, and, owes its birth, to a certain something, which enchains the sentiments, and, draws the esteem, without any examination, or, information. Gallantry, is more sensual, than love; having for its object, the sex; we enter into intrigues, in hopes of enjoying it, and, love, more on our own account, than on that, of our mistress. It acts upon the senses, much more than upon the heart, and, is more, owing to constitution, and, complexion, than, to the force of beauty.
The one, has a power of making those persons agreeable in our eyes, who study to please the object of our love, provided, they in no respect raise our jealousy. The other, engages us to keep an eye upon all those, who are capable, either, of forwarding, or, hurting our designs; and, to watch them, as we would a rival, taking every advantage within our reach.
The first, leaves us not the liberty of choice; it commands in the beginning, as a master, and, reigns, afterwards, as a tyrant, till we are accustomed to its chains, by length of time; or, till they are broken by the efforts of powerful reason, or, the caprice of continued vexation. The second, suffers, sometimes, another passion to get before it; reason and interest, often, hold the bridle, and, make it give way to our situation, and, affairs.
Love, attaches us, solely, to one person, and, delivers up our heart, without reserve, so as to engage it, wholly, and, make every other object, of what beauty or merit soever, indifferent to us. Gallantry, rivets us, generally, to all persons, who are either beautiful or agreeable, and, unites us to those, who make the least returns to our eagerness and desire; in such a manner, however, as leaves us no liking for others.
It appears to me, that love, delights in difficulties; so far from being weakened by obstacles, they, generally, increase it; and, we make it one of our most serious engagements. As for gallantry, it banishes formality, is less accustomed to difficulty, and, is often entered into, merely, for amusement. It is for this reason, we observe more spirit of gallantry in men, than love: for, it is rare to find a first love, followed by a second; and, I doubt, whether ever it can be said, by a third: but, gallantries are, sometimes, without number, and, succeed each other, till that age arrives, when their source is dried up.
There is, always, honesty in love; but, it is troublesome and capricious; we consider it, now-a-days, as a distemper, or, as a weakness of mind. In gallantry, there is a degree of knavery, but, it is free and good humoured; and, is become the taste of the age.
Love, designs on the imagination, the flattering idea of eternal happiness, in the entire and constant possession of the object we love. Gallantry, fails not to paint there the agreeable image of a singular pleasure, in the enjoyment of the object we pursue; but, neither the one, nor, the other, copies after nature; experience shewing us, that their colours, however agreeable, are, equally, deceitful. All the difference we find, is, that love, being more serious, the unfaithfulness of its pencil, gives greater offence; and, the recollection of the pain it has given, in seeing it so ill rewarded, creates our disgust; whereas, gallantry, being more wanton, we are less sensible of the fallacy of its colouring, and, the vain notions we have of being arrived at the end of its designs, reconcile any disappointments, we may have met with.
In love, it is the heart, which, principally, tastes the pleasure; the mind, making itself a slave, without any regard; and, the satisfaction of the senses, contributing less to the sweet enjoyment, than a certain contentedness of soul, which produces the charming idea, of being in the possession of what we love, and, receiving the most sensible proofs of a tender return. In gallantry, the heart, is less affected with the object; the mind, being more free, to indulge itself, and the senses, more attentive to their own satisfaction, partake the pleasure with greater equality; voluptuousness, contributing more to its enjoyment, than the delicacy of sentiments.
When we are too much tormented by the caprices of love, we endeavour to disentangle ourselves, and, become indifferent. When we are too fatigued by the exercises of gallantry, we take a resolution to desist, and, become sober.
Excess makes love degenerate into jealousy; and, gallantry, into libertinism. In the first case, we are subject, to trouble of mind; in the second, we are in danger, of destroying our health.
Upon the whole, love, is, generally, justifiable; gallantry, always, blameable.
(II, pp. 82-86)
",2013-08-15 05:10:16 UTC,"Gallantry ""suffers, sometimes, another passion to get before it; reason and interest, often, hold the bridle, and, make it give way to our situation, and, affairs.""",2013-08-15 05:10:16 UTC,"","",,Animals,"",Reading,22157,7583
"Fuyez ceux qui, sous prétexte d’expliquer la nature, sèment dans les coeurs des hommes de désolantes doctrines, & dont le scepticisme apparent est cent fois plus affirmatif & que le ton décidé de leurs adversaires. Sous te qu’eux seuls sont éclairés, vrais, de bonne impérieusement à leurs décisions tranchantes, et prétendent nous donner pour les vrais principes des choses les inintelligibles systèmes qu’ils ont bâtis dans leur imagination. Du reste, renversant, détruisant, foulant aux pieds tout ce que les hommes respectent, ils ôtent aux affligés la dernière consolation de leur misère, aux puissants & aux riches le seul frein de leurs passions; ils arrachent du fond des coeurs le remords du crime, l’espoir de la vertu, & se vantent encore d’être les bienfaiteurs du genre humain. jamais, disent-ils, la vérité n’est nuisible aux hommes. Je le crois comme eux, &, c’est, à mon avis, une grande preuve que ce qu’ils enseignent n’est pas la vérité.
(IV, p. 330 in Everyman)",2014-01-10 21:29:05 UTC,"""Du reste, renversant, détruisant, foulant aux pieds tout ce que les hommes respectent, ils ôtent aux affligés la dernière consolation de leur misère, aux puissants & aux riches le seul frein de leurs passions; ils arrachent du fond des coeurs le remords du crime, l’espoir de la vertu, & se vantent encore d’être les bienfaiteurs du genre humain.""",2014-01-10 21:29:05 UTC,"Book IV, Creed of the Savoyard Curate","",,Animals,"",Reading,23327,6428