The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the shadow of shadows on the deed alone.

Quote by William Butler Yeats

Topics: William Butler Yeats Quotes

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.

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

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

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by...

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by...

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...

Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart. O when may it...

Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart. O when may it...

A pity beyond all telling is hid in the heart of love.

A pity beyond all telling is hid in the heart of love.

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...

How can we know the dancer from the dance?

How can we know the dancer from the dance?

Books are but waste paper unless we spend in action the wisdom we get from...

Books are but waste paper unless we spend in action the wisdom we get from...

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...

Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had...

Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had...

In dreams begins responsibility.

In dreams begins responsibility.

Hearts are not had as a gift, But hearts are earned...

Hearts are not had as a gift, But hearts are earned...

I have certainly known more men destroyed by the desire to have a wife and...

I have certainly known more men destroyed by the desire to have a wife and...

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

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

Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We...

Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We...

Nor dread nor hope attend a dying animal; a man awaits his end dreading and...

Nor dread nor hope attend a dying animal; a man awaits his end dreading and...

I think you can leave the arts, superior or inferior, to the conscience of mankind.

I think you can leave the arts, superior or inferior, to the conscience of mankind.

I heard the old, old, men say 'all that's beautiful drifts away, like the waters.'

I heard the old, old, men say 'all that's beautiful drifts away, like the waters.'

Irish poets, learn your trade, sing whatever is well made, scorn the sort now growing...

Irish poets, learn your trade, sing whatever is well made, scorn the sort now growing...