George MacDonald Quotes

A collection of quotes by George MacDonald.

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister, born on December 10, 1824, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Following a successful career as a minister, MacDonald turned to writing and soon became known as a pioneer of fantasy literature, influencing renowned authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

MacDonald's works often blended elements of fairy tales and allegory, exploring moral and spiritual themes. His most famous novels include "Phantastes" (1858), "The Princess and the Goblin" (1872), and "Lilith" (1895). Through his writings, he sought to convey profound spiritual truths and challenge societal conventions.

Despite facing financial difficulties throughout his life, MacDonald's writings gained popularity and critical acclaim. He was celebrated for his imaginative storytelling, lyrical prose, and deep contemplation of themes such as faith, forgiveness, and the nature of evil. His writings also expressed his aversion to dogmatic religious practices and his belief in the power of love and compassion.

George MacDonald passed away on September 18, 1905, in Surrey, England, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most significant fantasy authors of the 19th century. His works continue to inspire and captivate readers with their timeless messages of hope, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil.

Age is not all decay it is the ripening, the swelling, of th

Age is not all decay it is the ripening, the swelling, of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk.

George MacDonald

Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utt

Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.

George MacDonald

To have what we want is riches but to be able to do without

To have what we want is riches but to be able to do without is power.

George MacDonald

The principle part of faith is patience.

The principle part of faith is patience.

George MacDonald

It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should

It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.

George MacDonald

Love loves unto purity. Love has ever in view the absolute l

Love loves unto purity. Love has ever in view the absolute loveliness of that which it beholds. Therefore all that is not beautiful in the beloved, all that comes between and is not of love's kind, must be destroyed. And our God is a consuming fire.

George MacDonald

God Love Refinement Chistianity

Why are all reflections lovelier than what we call reality?

Why are all reflections lovelier than what we call reality? -- not so grand or so strong, it may be, but always lovelier? Fair as is the gliding sloop on the shining sea, the wavering, trembling, unresting sail below is fairer still...All mirrors are magic mirrors. The commonest room is a room in a poem when I turn to the glass...There must be a truth involved in it, though we may but in part lay hold of the meaning.

George MacDonald

Life Truth Reflection Mirror

Love is the opener as well as closer of eyes

Love is the opener as well as closer of eyes

George MacDonald

With every morn my life afresh must breakThe crust of self,

With every morn my life afresh must breakThe crust of self, gathered about me fresh;That thy wind-spirit may rush in and shakeThe darkness out of me, and rend the meshThe spider-devils spin out of the flesh-Eager to net the soul before it wake,That it may slumberous lie, and listen to the snake.George MacDonald

George MacDonald

Inspirational Sin Temptation Religious Theology The Fall

Beauty and sadness always go together. Nature thought beauty

Beauty and sadness always go together. Nature thought beauty too rich to go forth Upon the earth without a meet alloy.

George MacDonald

Nature Beauty Sadness

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gi

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.

George MacDonald

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.

George MacDonald

It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exh

It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think he must prefer quality to quantity.

George MacDonald

The more I work with the body, keeping my assumptions in a t

The more I work with the body, keeping my assumptions in a temporary state of reservation, the more I appreciate and sympathize with a given disease. The body no longer appears as a sick or irrational demon, but as a process with its own inner logic and wisdom.

George MacDonald

Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not

Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best, and man will not take it.

George MacDonald

Age is not all decay; it is the ripening, the swelling, of t

Age is not all decay; it is the ripening, the swelling, of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk.

George MacDonald

God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon

God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon. He left the electricity still in the cloud, the oil still in the earth. How often we look upon God as our last and feeblest resource! We go to Him because we have nowhere else to go. And then we learn that the storms of life have driven us, not upon the rocks, but into the desired haven.

George MacDonald

When we are out of sympathy with the young, then I think our

When we are out of sympathy with the young, then I think our work in this world is over.

George MacDonald

To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.

To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.

George MacDonald

To have what we want is riches; but to be able to do without

To have what we want is riches; but to be able to do without is power.

George MacDonald