William Dean Howells Quotes

Powerful William Dean Howells for Daily Growth

About William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (March 1, 1837 – May 11, 1920) was an American realist author, literary critic, and newspaper editor who played a significant role in shaping American literature during the late 19th century. Born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Howells moved with his family to New England when he was a child. He studied at Harvard University but did not graduate due to financial difficulties. Instead, he pursued a career in journalism and editing. Howells' early works were heavily influenced by the Romantic movement, but he later became a prominent figure of American realism. His first major novel, "Their Wedding Journey" (1872), was followed by other notable works such as "A Modern Instance" (1875) and "The Rise of Silas Lapham" (1885), which showcased his commitment to portraying contemporary American life with accuracy and empathy. Howells served as the editor of The Atlantic Monthly from 1861 to 1881, where he published works by Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and others. In 1882, he became the first American literary critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. His influential book "Criticism and Fiction" (1891) laid out his theories on realism in literature. In addition to his novels and critical works, Howells was also an accomplished travel writer. His books about his travels in Europe, such as "Europe in 1868" (1869), provided insights into the Old World for American readers at a time when international travel was less common. Howells' contributions to American literature were immense. He championed realism as a literary movement and helped bring numerous notable authors to the public eye. His works continue to be read and studied today, making him an enduring figure in American literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is mostly froth and bubble, two things stand like fixed stars - love and friendship."

This quote by William Dean Howells suggests that life, in general, is fleeting and transient, filled with trivialities and momentary pleasures, symbolized as "froth and bubble." However, two constants that remain steadfast amidst the ephemeral nature of life are love and friendship. Love refers to deep emotional connection with another person, while friendship signifies a close bond with a companion who shares mutual trust, respect, and affection. These two relationships provide a stable foundation in a world where everything else is subject to change and impermanence.

"It has been said that a people who do not know their past are destined to repeat it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of historical knowledge for making informed decisions and avoiding repeating mistakes or misunderstandings from the past. Understanding history allows us to learn from our collective experiences, grow as a society, and avoid reoccurring errors or conflicts. Ignorance of the past may lead to unintentional repetition of harmful patterns, underscoring the need for historical education and reflection.

"The function of criticism is twofold: it endeavors to help the reader, by giving him some aid to interpretation; and it endeavors to help the writer, by directing his attention to his own weaknesses."

This quote by William Dean Howells highlights two primary roles of criticism: 1) To guide the reader, providing them with tools for understanding and interpreting the work in question more effectively. 2) To provide constructive feedback for writers, enabling them to identify areas they may need improvement and grow as artists. Essentially, good criticism serves both the reader and the writer, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the two.

"Truth is the first casualty when one begins to talk too much."

The quote suggests that excessive talking or over-sharing can lead to a disregard for truth. In other words, when we talk too much without considering the accuracy of our words, we risk distorting or ignoring facts, ultimately sacrificing truth in the process. It serves as a reminder to be mindful and thoughtful about what we communicate, ensuring that our words are grounded in reality rather than unfounded claims or exaggerations.

"There are in this world no great and glorious histories but the histories of human hearts."

The quote suggests that the most significant events or stories aren't those related to grand empires, wars, or political movements, but rather the personal experiences, emotions, and development of individual humans. Essentially, it emphasizes the power of human emotions and relationships as the driving force behind history, making each heart a great and glorious tale in itself.

The mortality of all inanimate things is terrible to me, but that of books most of all.

- William Dean Howells

Most, Mortality, Books, Inanimate

We are creatures of the moment; we live from one little space to another, and only one interest at a time fills these.

- William Dean Howells

Space, Creatures, Another, Fills

The conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.

- William Dean Howells

Wise Man, Wins, Conqueror, Benevolent

If we like a man's dream, we call him a reformer; if we don't like his dream, we call him a crank.

- William Dean Howells

Call, Like, His, Crank

It is the still, small voice that the soul heeds, not the deafening blasts of doom.

- William Dean Howells

Voice, Small, Still, Blast

Tomorrow I shall be sixty-nine, but I do not seem to care. I did not start the affair, and I have not been consulted about it at any step.

- William Dean Howells

Tomorrow, Start, Been, Affair

Wisdom and goodness are twin-born, one heart must hold both sisters, never seen apart.

- William Dean Howells

Heart, Sisters, Seen, Apart

Primitive societies without religion have never been found.

- William Dean Howells

Never, Been, Found, Societies

He who sleeps in continual noise is wakened by silence.

- William Dean Howells

Silence, He, Sleeps, Noise

In Europe life is histrionic and dramatized, and in America, except when it is trying to be European, it is direct and sincere.

- William Dean Howells

Trying, European, Direct, Europe

Inequality is as dear to the American heart as liberty itself.

- William Dean Howells

Liberty, Inequality, Itself, Dear

Some people can stay longer in an hour than others can in a week.

- William Dean Howells

Week, Some, Longer, Some People

What the American public wants in the theater is a tragedy with a happy ending.

- William Dean Howells

Ending, Tragedy, Public, American Public

There will presently be no room in the world for things; it will be filled up with the advertisements of things.

- William Dean Howells

World, Will, Things, Advertisement

The book which you read from a sense of duty, or because for any reason you must, does not commonly make friends with you.

- William Dean Howells

Reason, Which, Read, Commonly

Is it worth while to observe that there are no Venetian blinds in Venice?

- William Dean Howells

Venice, Blinds, While, Observe

How is it the great pieces of good luck fall to us?

- William Dean Howells

Luck, Good Luck, How, Pieces

The secret of the man who is universally interesting is that he is universally interested.

- William Dean Howells

Interesting, Universally, The Secret Of

The action is best that secures the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

- William Dean Howells

Happiness, Action, Number, Greatest Number

A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he sees it.

- William Dean Howells

Him, Too Late, Been, Sees

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