George Henry Lewes

George Henry Lewes
George Henry Leweswas an English philosopher and critic of literature and theatre. He became part of the mid-Victorian ferment of ideas which encouraged discussion of Darwinism, positivism, and religious skepticism. However, he is perhaps best known today for having openly lived with Mary Ann Evans, who wrote under the pen-name George Eliot, as soulmates whose life and writings were enriched by their relationship, despite never marrying...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth18 April 1817
art use language
Language, after all, is only the use of symbols, and Art also can only affect us through symbols.
great-author seers
All great authors are seers.
inspiring book delight
Books have become our dearest companions, yielding exquisite delights and inspiring lofty aims.
train-of-thought indispensable train
In complex trains of thought signs are indispensable.
feelings violence vehemence
Vehemence without feeling is but rant.
cells atoms biology
A cell is regarded as the true biological atom.
twilight shadow principles
Metaphysical ghosts cannot be killed, because they cannot be touched; but they may be dispelled by dispelling the twilight in which shadows and solidities are easily confounded. The Vital Principle is an entity of this ghostly kind; and although the daylight has dissipated it, and positive Biology is no longer vexed with its visitations, it nevertheless reappears in another shape in the shadowy region of mystery which surrounds biological and all other questions.
world literature tidings
Literature delivers tidings of the world within and the world without.
art artist creator
The artist is called a creator...
wisdom assuming never-assume
We must never assume that which is incapable of proof.
literature insight good-literature
All good Literature rests primarily on insight.
heart two brain
Heart and Brain are the two lords of life. In the metaphors of ordinary speech and in the stricter language of science, we use these terms to indicate two central powers, from which all motives radiate, to which all influences converge.
quiet speak silent
Speak for yourself and from yourself, or be silent.
acceptance ideas force
Ideas are forces; our acceptance of one determines our reception of others.