William Blake Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Blake.

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker, whose works marked a significant shift in artistic and literary movements of the Romantic period. Blake's creativity and imagination were apparent from an early age, and he attended the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Blake's artistic vision was deeply rooted in spirituality and mysticism, evident in his most famous collection of poems, "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience." These works explored themes of social injustice, the nature of good and evil, and the complexities of the human experience. Blake's innovative use of language and vivid imagery set him apart as a visionary poet.

Aside from his poetry, Blake was also known for his exquisite illustrations and engravings. His unique method of combining text and image in his illuminated books showcased his ability to blend poetry and visual art seamlessly.

Blake's unconventional views and radical ideas often put him at odds with his contemporaries, but his influence on subsequent generations of artists and writers cannot be overstated. He challenged the traditional constraints of his time and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.

Today, Blake is regarded as one of the greatest English poets and an important figure in the Romantic movement. His works continue to captivate audiences with their timeless messages and artistic brilliance, making him an enduring icon in the realm of literature and art.

To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flowe

To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour.

I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine love.

I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine love.

He who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence.

He who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence.

The look of love alarms Because 'tis filled with fire; But t

The look of love alarms Because 'tis filled with fire; But the look of soft deceit Shall win the lover's hire.

He who would do good to another must do it in Minute Particu

He who would do good to another must do it in Minute Particulars: general Good is the plea of the scoundrel, hypocrite, and flatterer, for Art and Science cannot exist but in minutely organized Particulars.

Want of money and the distress of a thief can never be alleg

Want of money and the distress of a thief can never be alleged as the cause of his thieving, for many honest people endure greater hardships with fortitude. We must therefore seek the cause elsewhere than in want of money, for that is the miser's passion, not the thief s.

No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.

No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.

The hours of folly are measured by the clock but of wisdom,

The hours of folly are measured by the clock but of wisdom, no clock can measure.

I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans I will

I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.

Both read the Bible day and night, but thou read black where

Both read the Bible day and night, but thou read black where I read white.

He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy
B

He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise.

What is now proved was only once imagined.

What is now proved was only once imagined.

The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom.

The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom.

I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans; I wil

I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans; I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.

Business Reason System Will Create

O rose, thou art sick! The invisible worm, That flies in the

O rose, thou art sick! The invisible worm, That flies in the night, In the howling storm, Has found out thy bed Of crimson joy, And his dark secret love Does thy life destroy.

Life Art Love Beds

My silks and fine array, My smiles and languished air, By lo

My silks and fine array, My smiles and languished air, By love are driv'n away; And mournful lean Despair Brings me yew to deck my grave: Such end true lovers have.

They suppose that Woman's Love is Sin; in consequence all th

They suppose that Woman's Love is Sin; in consequence all the Loves

Thou art a manGod is no moreThy own humanityLearn to adore

Thou art a manGod is no moreThy own humanityLearn to adore

Inspirational Spiritual

The Angel that presided o'er my birth Said, Little creature,

The Angel that presided o'er my birth Said, Little creature, formed of joy and mirth, Go love without the help of any thing on earth.

Love Birth Help

Abstinence sows sand all over The ruddy limbs and flaming ha

Abstinence sows sand all over The ruddy limbs and flaming hair, But desire gratified Plants fruits of life and beauty there.