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

The problem with some people is that when they aren't drunk, they're sober.

The problem with some people is that when they aren't drunk, they're sober.

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...

People who lean on logic and philosophy and rational exposition end by starving the best...

People who lean on logic and philosophy and rational exposition end by starving the best...

I am still of opinion that only two topics can be of the least interest...

I am still of opinion that only two topics can be of the least interest...

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

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

Out of Ireland have we come, great hatred, little room, maimed us at the start....

Out of Ireland have we come, great hatred, little room, maimed us at the start....

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...

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...

All empty souls tend toward extreme opinions.

All empty souls tend toward extreme opinions.

Think where mans glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had...

Think where mans glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had...

Choose your companions from the best; Who draws a bucket with the rest soon topples...

Choose your companions from the best; Who draws a bucket with the rest soon topples...

Joy is of the will which labours, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph.

Joy is of the will which labours, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph.

You think it horrible that lust and rage Should dance attendance upon my old age;...

You think it horrible that lust and rage Should dance attendance upon my old age;...

Be secret and exult, Because of all things known That is most difficult.

Be secret and exult, Because of all things known That is most difficult.

This melancholy London - I sometimes imagine that the souls of the lost are compelled...

This melancholy London - I sometimes imagine that the souls of the lost are compelled...

Come away, O human child: To the waters and the wild with a fairy, hand...

Come away, O human child: To the waters and the wild with a fairy, hand...

Cast your mind on other days that we in coming days may be still the...

Cast your mind on other days that we in coming days may be still the...

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

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

Take, if you must, this little bag of dreams, Unloose the cord, and they will...

Take, if you must, this little bag of dreams, Unloose the cord, and they will...