The fact is, if a young man is naturally indolent, the spur of necessity will drive him but a very little way, while the having enough to live upon is often the means of preserving his self-respect.

Quote by James Payn

Topics: James Payn Quotes

But, on the other hand, the occasional and precarious dripping of coppers has by no...

But, on the other hand, the occasional and precarious dripping of coppers has by no...

Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and driving, when in a position...

Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and driving, when in a position...

Nature of course is the best guide in the matter of choosing a pursuit.

Nature of course is the best guide in the matter of choosing a pursuit.

For my part, I do not feel that the scheme of future happiness, which ought...

For my part, I do not feel that the scheme of future happiness, which ought...

And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose.

And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose.

It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few...

It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few...

As a rule, anyone who can tell a good story can write one, so there...

As a rule, anyone who can tell a good story can write one, so there...

One would think that in writing about literary men and matters there would be no...

One would think that in writing about literary men and matters there would be no...

It has often struck me that the relation of two important members of the social...

It has often struck me that the relation of two important members of the social...

Some Critics on the Hearth are not only good-natured, but have rather too high, or,...

Some Critics on the Hearth are not only good-natured, but have rather too high, or,...

In all highly civilised communities Pretence is prominent, and sooner or later invades the regions...

In all highly civilised communities Pretence is prominent, and sooner or later invades the regions...

One forgives the critic - perhaps - but never the good-natured friend.

One forgives the critic - perhaps - but never the good-natured friend.

It is quite extraordinary how very various are the opinions entertained on this point, and,...

It is quite extraordinary how very various are the opinions entertained on this point, and,...

A man with an invention on which he has spent his life, but has no...

A man with an invention on which he has spent his life, but has no...

In England, literary pretence is more universal than elsewhere from our method of education.

In England, literary pretence is more universal than elsewhere from our method of education.

A great philosopher has stated that the worst evil of poverty is, that it makes...

A great philosopher has stated that the worst evil of poverty is, that it makes...

For my part, I do not much believe in the predilections of boyhood.

For my part, I do not much believe in the predilections of boyhood.

The idea of bringing young people up to Literature is doubtless calculated to raise the...

The idea of bringing young people up to Literature is doubtless calculated to raise the...

It is certain, indeed, that the sacred writers were apt to make great allowances for...

It is certain, indeed, that the sacred writers were apt to make great allowances for...

A nobler example, because a less personal one, of the pinch of poverty, is when...

A nobler example, because a less personal one, of the pinch of poverty, is when...