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
nature science views
Every one who has seriously investigated a novel question, who has really interrogated Nature with a view to a distinct answer, will bear me out in saying that it requires intense and sustained effort of imagination.
art views literature
It is unhappily true that much insincere Literature and Art, executed solely with a view to effect, does succeed by deceiving the public.
men views law
When a man fails to see the truth of certain generally accepted views, there is no law compelling him to provoke animosity by announcing his dissent.
real philosophy views
If I advance new views in Philosophy or Theology, I cannot expect to have many adherents among minds altogether unprepared for such views; yet it is certain that even those who most fiercely oppose me will recognize the power of my voice if it is not a mere echo; and the very novelty will challenge attention, and at last gain adherents if my views have any real insight.
taste opinion human-nature
Those works alone can have enduring success which successfully appeal to what is permanent in human nature -- which, while suiting the taste of the day, contain truths and beauty deeper than the opinions and tastes of the day.
safe immortality streams
Shakespeare is a good raft whereon to float securely down the stream of time; fasten yourself to that and your immortality is safe.
commonly effective
Sincerity is not only effective and honourable, it is also much less difficult than is commonly supposed.
among familiar men objects ordinary
Ordinary men live among marvels and feel no wonder, grow familiar with objects and learn nothing new about them.
mind
The superiority of one mind over another depends on the rapidity with which experiences are thus organised.
philosophy finals causes
The spontaneous tendency to invoke a Final Cause in explanation of every difficulty is characteristic of metaphysical philosophy. It arises from a general tendency towards the impersonation of abstractions which is visible throughout History.
mean self intellectual
The delusions of self-love cannot be prevented, but intellectual misconceptions as to the means of achieving success may be corrected.
age desire research
The great desire of this age is for a doctrine which may serve to condense our knowledge, guide our researches, and shape our lives, so that conduct may really be the consequence of belief
moral sincerity
Sincerity is moral truth.
speech sincere great-power
In all sincere speech there is power, not necessarily great power, but as much as the speaker is capable of.