<= Previous | February Issues Index | Next =>
Quotes of the Day for 27 February 2005 - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born at Portland, Maine on this day in 1807. Yesterday we looked at Victor Hugo, France's favorite poet, for a long time Longfellow was America's favorite. He seemed to easily create rhyme and rhythm in poetry that makes his work both readable and memorable. He was one of the first poets to address American themes, and at a time when the new nation was ready to move on from the initial struggle to carve a civilization out of the wilderness, America was ready for some culture.

A torn jacket is soon mended; but hard words bruise the heart of a child.

If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it; every arrow that flies feels the attraction of earth.

The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do without thought of fame. If it comes at all it will come because it is deserved, not because it is sought after.

Trouble is the next best thing to enjoyment. There is no fate in the world so horrible as to have no share in either its joys or sorrows.

Others will underestimate us, for although we judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, others judge us only by what we have already done.

Talk not of wasted affection; affection never was wasted.
     - All from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807 - 1882

Would you like to see quotes like these in your mail tomorrow morning? Our 10,000 loyal subscribers hate to miss a day, perhaps you should sign up now! No cost or obligation, just be open to the enlightenment waiting for you among our 22,500+ quotes.