Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.

Quote by William Butler Yeats

Topics: William Butler Yeats Quotes

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Wine comes in at the mouth And love comes in at the eye; That's all...

Wine comes in at the mouth And love comes in at the eye; That's all...

Accursed who brings to light of day the writings I have cast away.

Accursed who brings to light of day the writings I have cast away.

One should not lose one's temper unless one is certain of getting more and more...

One should not lose one's temper unless one is certain of getting more and more...

The years like great black oxen tread the world, and God, the herdsman goads them...

The years like great black oxen tread the world, and God, the herdsman goads them...

A mermaid found a swimming lad, Picked him for her own, Pressed her body to...

A mermaid found a swimming lad, Picked him for her own, Pressed her body to...

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

The worst thing about some men is that when they are not drunk they are...

The worst thing about some men is that when they are not drunk they are...

I have believed the best of every man. And find that to believe is enough...

I have believed the best of every man. And find that to believe is enough...

Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered...

Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered...

Why should we honour those that die upon the field of battle? A man may...

Why should we honour those that die upon the field of battle? A man may...

The only business of the head in the world is to bow a ceaseless obeisance...

The only business of the head in the world is to bow a ceaseless obeisance...

We . . . are no petty people. We are of the great stocks of...

We . . . are no petty people. We are of the great stocks of...

All empty souls tend toward extreme opinions.

All empty souls tend toward extreme opinions.

It was my first meeting with a philosophy that confirmed my vague speculations and seemed...

It was my first meeting with a philosophy that confirmed my vague speculations and seemed...

Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.

Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.

Oh, Love is the crooked thing, there is nobody wise enough to find out all...

Oh, Love is the crooked thing, there is nobody wise enough to find out all...

I balanced all, brought all to mind, the years to come seemed waste of breath,...

I balanced all, brought all to mind, the years to come seemed waste of breath,...

Merciful death, how you love your precious guilt.

Merciful death, how you love your precious guilt.

Personally, I would be delighted if there were a life after death, especially if it...

Personally, I would be delighted if there were a life after death, especially if it...