Augustus Baldwin Longstreet Quotes

Powerful Augustus Baldwin Longstreet for Daily Growth

About Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Augustus Baldwin Longstreet (1812-1875) was an influential American author, educator, and lawyer, best known for his contributions to Southern literature in the mid-19th century. Born on October 9, 1812, in Warrenville, Georgia, he was the eldest of ten children born to a farming family. Longstreet's education began at home before attending Franklin College (now the University of Georgia). After graduating in 1832, he pursued a career in law and was admitted to the bar in 1834. In addition to his legal practice, Longstreet taught at Franklin College and served as a member of the Georgia state legislature from 1840 to 1843. During this period, he wrote "The Little Rebel," which was published anonymously in 1845 and became a widely popular book, influencing the development of Southern literature. The novel is set during the American Revolution and follows the life of a young boy who resists British rule. It is often considered one of the first works of American regional fiction. In 1850, Longstreet published "The Georgia Scourge," which criticized slavery and the institution's impact on Southern society. This work led to his resignation from Franklin College and caused a rift with many in the Southern community. Despite this, Longstreet continued to write and publish, including works such as "The Southern Magazine" and "Georgia Scenes." Longstreet passed away on December 18, 1875, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to influence American literature today. His work played a pivotal role in the development of regional Southern literature, offering insights into Southern culture and society during a time of significant change.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The South looks southward, and its thoughts are with Dixie."

This quote by Augustus Baldwin Longstreet suggests a strong cultural and emotional attachment of Southerners to the region, specifically the states that comprised the Confederacy during the American Civil War (often referred to as "Dixie"). It implies that the South's focus or sentiments are directed towards their historical roots in this part of the United States. This statement can be seen as an expression of regional identity and a desire for continuity with the South's unique history, values, and traditions.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

The quote suggests that traveling broadens one's horizons and exposes them to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, allowing a more complete understanding of the world – similar to reading multiple pages of a book as opposed to just one. In essence, travel is a powerful tool for knowledge and personal growth.

"We have learned that it does neither man nor horse any good to be hurried."

This quote by Augustus Baldwin Longstreet emphasizes the detrimental effects of rushing or haste, not only for humans but also for animals like horses. It suggests that working or moving too quickly can lead to mistakes, stress, or harm for both people and their counterparts, whether those are domestic or wild animals. Therefore, patience, pacing oneself, and allowing enough time for tasks or journeys may yield better results and overall well-being.

"Custom is a blind guide, but habit a firm protector."

This quote highlights the difference between custom and habit. Custom refers to traditions or practices passed down without question, often lacking rational explanation. These customs can be arbitrary or outdated, leading them to potentially misguide us. In contrast, habits are repetitive behaviors that we've learned and internalized over time, providing a sense of stability, structure, and protection in our lives. While custom might lead us astray due to its lack of reason, habit offers predictability and security based on past experiences.

"Character is the one secure foundation upon which happiness can be built."

This quote by Augustus Baldwin Longstreet highlights that a strong character, defined by integrity, honesty, and personal virtues, serves as a solid base for building a fulfilling life. Character traits such as resilience, empathy, and self-discipline help individuals navigate challenges, maintain positive relationships, and foster overall happiness. In essence, Longstreet suggests that a well-developed character is essential to constructing a happy, stable life because it provides the necessary foundation for personal growth, emotional wellness, and lasting success.

The former measured six feet and an inch in his stockings, and, without a single pound of cumbrous flesh about him, weighed a hundred and eighty. The latter was an inch shorter than his rival, and ten pounds lighter; but he was much the most active of the two.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Feet, Measured, Hundred, Lighter

But there were women in the world, and from them each of our heroes had taken to himself a wife. The good ladies were no strangers to the prowess of their husbands. and, strange as it may seem, they presumed a little upon it.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Wife, May, Them, Ladies

Language cannot describe the scene that followed; the shouts, oaths, frantic gestures, taunts, replies, and little fights; and therefore I shall not attempt it.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Shall, Fights, Oaths, Taunt

Ned made a tremendous rattling, at which Bullet took fright, broke his bridle, and dashed off in grand style; and would have stopped all farther negotiations by going home in disgust, had not a traveller arrested him and brought him back; but Kit did not move.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Arrested, Brought, Farther, Dashed

During the session of the Supreme Court, in the village of -, about three weeks ago, when a number of people were collected in the principal street of the village, I observed a young man riding up and down the street, as I supposed, in a violent passion.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Young, Violent, Weeks, Observed

He was a horse of goodly countenance, rather expressive of vigilance than fire; though an unnatural appearance of fierceness was thrown into it by the loss of his ears, which had been cropped pretty close to his head.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Been, Rather, Had, Vigilance

I looked, and saw that Bob had entirely lost his left ear, and a large piece from his left cheek. His right eye was a little discoloured, and the blood flowed profusely from his wounds.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Wounds, Large, Looked, Entirely

In the younger days of the Republic there lived in the county of - two men, who were admitted on all hands to be the very best men In the county; which, in the Georgia vocabulary, means they could flog any other two men in the county.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Very, Which, Admitted, Georgia

All the knowing ones were consulted as to the issue, and they all agreed, to a man, in one of two opinions: either that Bob would flog Billy, or Billy would flog Bob.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Two, Issue, Billy, Bob

It is said that a hundred gamecocks will live in perfect harmony together it you do not put a hen with them; and so it would have been with Billy and Bob, had there been no women in the world.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Harmony, Been, Hundred, Bob

There's no sort o' mistake in little Bullet. He can pick up miles on his feet, and fling 'em behind him as fast as the next man's hoss, I don't care where he comes from. And he can keep at it as long as the sun can shine without resting.

- Augustus Baldwin Longstreet

Feet, Behind, Next, Bullet

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