The countenances of children, like those of animals, are masks, not faces, for they have not yet developed a significant profile of their own.

Quote by W H Auden

Topics: W H Auden Quotes

Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out...

Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out...

God bless the USA, so large, so friendly, and so rich.

God bless the USA, so large, so friendly, and so rich.

It is a sad fact about our culture that a poet can earn much more...

It is a sad fact about our culture that a poet can earn much more...

We are here on Earth to do good to others. What the others are here...

We are here on Earth to do good to others. What the others are here...

The image of myself which I try to create in my own mind in order...

The image of myself which I try to create in my own mind in order...

What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social...

What people don't realize is that intimacy has its conventions as well as ordinary social...

Let mortals beware of words For with words we lie Can speak peace When we...

Let mortals beware of words For with words we lie Can speak peace When we...

Fame often makes a writer vain, but seldom makes him proud.

Fame often makes a writer vain, but seldom makes him proud.

Now is the age of anxiety.

Now is the age of anxiety.

Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered.

Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered.

Before people complain of the obscurity of modern poetry, they should first examine their consciences...

Before people complain of the obscurity of modern poetry, they should first examine their consciences...

A real book is not one that we read, but one that reads us.

A real book is not one that we read, but one that reads us.

I'll love you, dear, I'll love you till China and Africa meet and the river...

I'll love you, dear, I'll love you till China and Africa meet and the river...

Murder is commoner among cooks than among members of any other profession.

Murder is commoner among cooks than among members of any other profession.

All works of art are commissioned in the sense that no artist can create one...

All works of art are commissioned in the sense that no artist can create one...

Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they...

Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they...

Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out...

Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out...

For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?

For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?

In relation to a writer, most readers believe in the Double Standard: they may be...

In relation to a writer, most readers believe in the Double Standard: they may be...

A poet is a professional maker of verbal objects.

A poet is a professional maker of verbal objects.