John Cowper Powys Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Cowper Powys.

John Cowper Powys (1872-1963) was a British author and philosopher. Known for his unique and complex writing style, Powys explored a wide range of themes in his works, including the nature of human experience, spirituality, and the connections between individuals and their surroundings. His notable novels include "Wolf Solent" and "A Glastonbury Romance". Powys's works were often influenced by his deep interest in mythology, psychology, and the natural world. He is considered a significant figure in 20th-century literature and has left a lasting impact on readers and scholars alike.

If by the time we're sixty we haven't learned what a knot of

If by the time we're sixty we haven't learned what a knot of paradox and contradiction life is, and how exquisitely the good and the bad are mingled in every action we take, and what a compromising hostess Our Lady of Truth is, we haven't grown old to much purpose.

John Cowper Powys

Life Time Truth Purpose Paradox Action Thetimes

The influence of friendship upon culture differs from that o

The influence of friendship upon culture differs from that of love, in that it assumes the basic idiosyncrasies of personal taste to be unalterable. Love, in spite of all rational knowledge to the contrary, is always in the mood of believing in miracles.

John Cowper Powys

Love Friendship Miracles Culture

The meaning of culture is nothing less than the conduct of l

The meaning of culture is nothing less than the conduct of life itself, fortified, thickened, made more crafty and subtle, by contact with books and with art.

John Cowper Powys

Life Art Culture

No refining of one's taste in matters of art or literature,

No refining of one's taste in matters of art or literature, no sharpening of one's powers of insight in matters of science or psychology, can ever take the place of one's sensitiveness to the life of the earth. This is the beginning and the end of a person's true education.

John Cowper Powys

Life Education Art Power Science Theend Places Literature

Most of the pathetic scenes in almost everybody's life are s

Most of the pathetic scenes in almost everybody's life are scenes unnoted by anyone and totally disregarded by the person in question.

John Cowper Powys

Life