Alexander Smith Quotes

Alexander Smith was a Scottish poet and essayist known for his lyrical poetry and insightful essays. He was associated with the Spasmodic poetry movement, characterized by its emotional intensity and romantic themes. Smith's works, such as "A Life-Drama" and "Dreamthorp," reflect his contemplations on life, nature, and the human experience. His poetic talent and his ability to capture the essence of emotions have made him a respected figure in Scottish literature. Smith's writings continue to inspire readers with their beauty and introspective nature.

A great man is the man who does something for the ... -Alexander Smith

A great man is the man who does something for the first time.

Alexander Smith , Poet
How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking... -Alexander Smith

How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking for gardens and gardening.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Discovering the context

This quote expresses the profound and innate human affinity for gardens and gardening. It reflects a recognition of the universal appeal and deep-rooted appreciation that individuals have for natural spaces and the act of nurturing and cultivating plants. It acknowledges the emotional connection between humans and gardens.

Trifles make up the happiness or the misery of hum... -Alexander Smith

Trifles make up the happiness or the misery of human life.

Alexander Smith , Poet
To be occasionally quoted is the only fame I care ... -Alexander Smith

To be occasionally quoted is the only fame I care for.

Alexander Smith , Poet
The sea complains upon a thousand shores.... -Alexander Smith

The sea complains upon a thousand shores.

Alexander Smith , Poet
A man gazing on the stars is proverbially at the m... -Alexander Smith

A man gazing on the stars is proverbially at the mercy of the puddles in the road.

Alexander Smith , Poet

The world is not so much in need of new thoughts as that when thought grows old and worn with usage it should, like current coin, be called in, and, from the mint of genius, reissued fresh and new.

Alexander Smith , Poet

If you do your fair day's work, you are certain to get your fair day's wage - in praise or pudding, whichever happens to suit your taste.

Alexander Smith , Poet
I go into my library and all history unrolls befor... -Alexander Smith

I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Discovering the context

This quote expresses the feeling of being immersed in history when surrounded by a personal library, suggesting that books contain a wealth of knowledge and the ability to transport one into different historical periods. It implies a fascination and appreciation for the insights provided by books.

To sit for one's portrait is like being present at... -Alexander Smith

To sit for one's portrait is like being present at one's own creation.

Alexander Smith , Poet
The man who in this world can keep the whiteness o... -Alexander Smith

The man who in this world can keep the whiteness of his soul is not likely to lose it in any other.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Trees are your best antiques.... -Alexander Smith

Trees are your best antiques.

Alexander Smith , Poet
The saddest thing that befalls a soul is when it l... -Alexander Smith

The saddest thing that befalls a soul is when it loses faith in God and woman.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Discovering the context

This quote reflects on the profound impact of losing faith in higher powers and human connections. It implies that such a loss can bring great sadness and represents a significant and disheartening experience for the soul.

Every man's road in life is marked by the graves o... -Alexander Smith

Every man's road in life is marked by the graves of his personal liking.

Alexander Smith , Poet
If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in... -Alexander Smith

If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness.

Alexander Smith , Poet

If the egotist is weak, his egotism is worthless. If the egotist is strong, acute, full of distinctive character, his egotism is precious, and remains a possession of the race.

Alexander Smith , Poet
A man doesn't plant a tree for himself. He plants ... -Alexander Smith

A man doesn't plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity.

Alexander Smith , Poet
We bury love; Forgetfulness grows over it like gra... -Alexander Smith

We bury love; Forgetfulness grows over it like grass: That is a thing to weep for, not the dead.

Alexander Smith , Poet
I would rather be remembered by a song than by a v... -Alexander Smith

I would rather be remembered by a song than by a victory.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Discovering the context

It expresses a preference for being remembered or celebrated for artistic or creative contributions, such as a song, rather than solely for achievements or victories in a competitive context.

The dead keep their secrets, and in a while we sha... -Alexander Smith

The dead keep their secrets, and in a while we shall be as wise as they - and as taciturn.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Christmas is the day that holds all time together.... -Alexander Smith

Christmas is the day that holds all time together.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Everything is sweetened by risk.... -Alexander Smith

Everything is sweetened by risk.

Alexander Smith , Poet

If you wish to make a man look noble, your best course is to kill him. What superiority he may have inherited from his race, what superiority nature may have personally gifted him with, comes out in death.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Books are a finer world within the world.... -Alexander Smith

Books are a finer world within the world.

Alexander Smith , Poet
A man's real possession is his memory. In nothing ... -Alexander Smith

A man's real possession is his memory. In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor.

Alexander Smith , Poet
We are never happy; we can only remember that we w... -Alexander Smith

We are never happy; we can only remember that we were so once.

Alexander Smith , Poet
There is no ghost so difficult to lay as the ghost... -Alexander Smith

There is no ghost so difficult to lay as the ghost of an injury.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Death is the ugly fact which Nature has to hide, a... -Alexander Smith

Death is the ugly fact which Nature has to hide, and she hides it well.

Alexander Smith , Poet

In life there is nothing more unexpected and surprising than the arrivals and departures of pleasure. If we find it in one place today, it is vain to seek it there tomorrow. You can not lay a trap for it.

Alexander Smith , Poet
Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, ... -Alexander Smith

Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.

Alexander Smith , Poet

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