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Leslie Stephen Quotes

Powerful Leslie Stephen for Daily Growth

About Leslie Stephen

Leslie Stephen (1832-1904) was a prominent Victorian intellectual, biographer, and editor, best known for his influential works on literature and philosophy, as well as his seminal biography of his wife, 'Virginia Woolf: A Sketch of her Life.' Born in London on February 28, 1832, Leslie Stephen was the second son of James and Jane Elizabeth Stephen. His father, a prominent barrister and legal scholar, instilled in him a love for literature and philosophy from an early age. After attending University College School in London, Stephen matriculated to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned his B.A. in 1854. In the following years, Stephen delved into scholarly pursuits, publishing articles on philosophical and literary topics in various periodicals. He also engaged in debates with prominent figures of the day, including Thomas Carlyle and John Sterling. In 1864, Stephen was appointed as editor of 'The Cornhill Magazine,' a role he would hold for over two decades. Stephen's personal life took an unexpected turn when he married Henrietta Emily Herschel, the daughter of Sir John Herschel, in 1867. Tragically, Henrietta died in 1875 after giving birth to their sixth child, Virginia Woolf. This event significantly shaped Stephen's life and work, as he became solely responsible for raising their children while grappling with the grief of his loss. In addition to his editorial duties at 'The Cornhill Magazine,' Stephen continued to publish scholarly works, including influential studies on English literature, biographies of notable figures like William Blake and George Eliot, and a groundbreaking exploration of the history of agnosticism titled 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.' Leslie Stephen's enduring legacy lies not only in his substantial contributions to Victorian intellectual life but also in his nurturing role as a father to Virginia Woolf, who would become one of the most significant figures in modernist literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a long lesson in humility."

Leslie Stephen's quote, "Life is a long lesson in humility," implies that life teaches us to be humble as we navigate its complexities and uncertainties. It suggests that as we experience the ups and downs of our existence, we are reminded that there's always more to learn, understand, and appreciate - instilling within us a sense of humility. This quote encourages an attitude of open-mindedness and respect for the world around us, acknowledging our limits and embracing a constant learning process.

"In all matters of opinion our own experience, our own thought, is of course the best possible guide to us."

This quote emphasizes the importance of personal judgment and experience in forming opinions. In other words, one's own experiences and thoughts are considered as the most reliable sources for understanding and making decisions about matters that are subjective or open to interpretation. It suggests that individuals should trust their instincts and rely on their unique perspectives when forming opinions, rather than blindly following others without questioning or considering the personal implications. This quote is particularly relevant in today's world where there is an abundance of information and opinions available online, making it easy for people to be influenced by external factors without critical thought.

"The more we learn about the world, the less we seem to know."

Leslie Stephen's quote suggests that as our knowledge expands, we become increasingly aware of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in understanding the world. It implies that the more we delve into the mysteries of life and the universe, the more questions we generate, highlighting humanity's ongoing quest for wisdom and enlightenment. In essence, Stephen is pointing out that knowledge breeds humility as we recognize the vastness of what remains unknown to us.

"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

Leslie Stephen's quote emphasizes that true happiness is an active, self-generated state, rather than a predetermined or passive condition. In other words, we are responsible for our own happiness, not dependent on external circumstances. By taking positive actions, making choices that align with our values and pursuing meaningful goals, we can create and cultivate our own happiness in life.

"We are never so blind as when we can't see ourselves."

Leslie Stephen's quote, "We are never so blind as when we can't see ourselves," underscores the difficulty individuals often have in understanding their own character flaws, biases, or shortcomings. It suggests that self-awareness is a valuable tool for personal growth and improvement since being aware of one's limitations allows for targeted efforts to overcome them. The quote encourages introspection and the ability to objectively evaluate oneself, as it can be challenging to recognize our own imperfections but doing so can lead to positive change and self-improvement.

If atheism is to be used to express the state of mind in which God is identified with the unknowable, and theology is pronounced to be a collection of meaningless words about unintelligible chimeras, then I have no doubt, and I think few people doubt.

- Leslie Stephen

Atheism, I Think, About, Unintelligible

The truth cannot be asserted without denouncing the falsehood.

- Leslie Stephen

Truth, Falsehood, Cannot, Asserted

Walking is the natural recreation for a man who desires not absolutely to suppress his intellect but to turn it out to play for a season. All great men of letters have therefore been enthusiastic walkers.

- Leslie Stephen

Play, Been, Intellect, Season

Every man who says frankly and fully what he thinks is doing a public service.

- Leslie Stephen

Doing, Every Man, Frankly, Fully

If you wish at once to do nothing and be respectable nowadays, the best pretext is to be at work on some profound study.

- Leslie Stephen

Work, Study, Some, Pretext

Chance is a name for our ignorance.

- Leslie Stephen

Chance, Name, Our, Ignorance

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