Robertson Davies Quotes & Sayings (Page 3)

“The greatest gift that Oxford gives her sons is, I truly believe, a genial irreverence toward learning, and from that irreverence love may spring.”

“The great book for you is the book that has the most to say to you at the moment when you are reading. I do not mean the book that is most instructive, but the book that feeds your spirit. And that depends on your age, your experience, your psychological and spiritual need.”

“Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them.”

“Every man is wise when attacked by a mad dog; fewer when pursued by a mad woman; only the wisest survive when attacked by a mad notion.”

“If we seek the pleasures of love, passion should be occasional, and common sense continual.”

“I see Canada as a country torn between a very northern, rather extraordinary, mystical spirit which it fears and its desire to present itself to the world as a Scotch banker.”

“Canada is not really a place where you are encouraged to have large spiritual adventures.”

“The most original thing a writer can do is write like himself. It is also his most difficult task.”

“I never heard of anyone who was really literate or who ever really loved books who wanted to suppress any of them.”

“To be a book-collector is to combine the worst characteristics of a dope fiend with those of a miser.”