117 Famous Quotes by James Russell Lowell
2/22/1819 - 8/12/1891
Also Known As:
Russell James Lowell
Professions:
Information:
About James Russell Lowell
James Russell Lowell was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is associated with the Fireside Poets, a group of New England writers who were among the first American poets who rivaled the popularity of British poets. These poets usually used conventional forms and meters in their poetry, making them suitable for families entertaining at their fireside.
Lowell graduated from Harvard College in 1838, despite his reputation as a troublemaker, and went on to earn a law degree from Harvard Law School. He published his first collection of poetry in 1841 and married Maria White in 1844. He and his wife had several children, though only one survived past childhood. The couple soon became involved in the movement to abolish slavery, with Lowell using poetry to express his anti-slavery views and taking a job in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the editor of an abolitionist newspaper. After moving back to Cambridge, Lowell was one of the founders of a journal called The Pioneer, which lasted only three issues. He gained notoriety in 1848 with the publication of A Fable for Critics, a book-length poem satirizing contemporary critics and poets. The same year, he published The Biglow Papers, which increased his fame. He went on to publish several other poetry collections and essay collections throughout his literary career.
Not what we give, but what we share,--
For the gift without the giver is bare.
Gifts
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Vision of Sir Launfal (pt. II, st. 8)
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And but two ways are offered to our will,
Toil with rare triumph, ease with safe disgrace,
The problem still for us and all of human race.
Comparisons
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Under the Old Elm (pt. VII, st. 3)
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From lower to the higher next,
Not to the top, is Nature's text;
And embryo good, to reach full stature,
Absorbs the evil in its nature.
Progress
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Festina Lente--Moral
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New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth;
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of
truth.
Progress
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Present Crisis
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There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only
argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
Argument
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Democracy and Other Addresses, Democracy
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Greatly begin! Though thou have time
But for a line, be that sublime--
Not failure, but low aim is crime.
Failure
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: For an Autograph
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Sentiment is intellectualized emotion, emotion precipitated, as
it were, in pretty crystals by the fancy.
Fancy
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Among My Books--Rousseau and the Sentimentalists
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Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious
liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
Democracy
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Among My Books--New England Two Centuries Ago
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No man is born into the world whose work
Is not born with him: there is always work,
And tools to work withal, for those who will;
And blessed are the horny hand of toil!
Work
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: A Glance Behind the Curtain (l. 202)
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Not caring, so that sumpter-horse, the back
Be hung with gaudy trappings, in what course
Yea, rags most beggarly, they clothe the soul.
Apparel
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Fireside Travels
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The future works out great men's destinies;
The present is enough for common souls,
Who, never looking forward, are indeed
Mere clay wherein the footprints of their age
Are petrified forever.
Destiny
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: Act for Truth
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Listen! O, listen!
Here come the hum the golden bees
Underneath full blossomed trees,
At once with glowing fruit and flowers crowned.
Bees
Quotes, by James Russell Lowell , Source: The Sirens (l. 94)
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