Washington Irving, an American writer, was a leading figure in early American literature. His works, such as "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," are celebrated for their wit and imaginative storytelling. Irving's contributions to American folklore and his pioneering role in shaping American literary identity are widely recognized.
"The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes."
"The land of literature is a fairy land to those who view it at a distance, but, like all other landscapes, the charm fades on a nearer approach, and the thorns and briars become visible."
"There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations."
"After all, it is the divinity within that makes the divinity without; and I have been more fascinated by a woman of talent and intelligence, though deficient in personal charms, than I have been by the most regular beauty."
"Acting provides the fulfillment of never being fulfilled. You're never as good as you'd like to be. So there's always something to hope for."
"Those men are most apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad, who are under the discipline of shrews at home."
"Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them."
"He is the true enchanter, whose spell operates, not upon the senses, but upon the imagination and the heart."
"Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the jokes are rather small and laughter abundant."
"The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced. Every other wound we seek to heal - every other affliction to forget: but this wound we consider it a duty to keep open - this affliction we cherish and brood over in solitude."
"There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others however humble."