WIST

The only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves.

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) English novelist, essayist, critic
“A Book that Influenced Me,” Two Cheers for Democracy (1951)

Our life on earth is, and ought to be, material and carnal. But we have not yet learned to manager our materialism and carnality properly; they are still entangled with the desire for ownership.

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) English novelist, essayist, critic
Abinger Harvest: A Miscellany, “My Wood” (1927)

Those who prepared for all the emergencies of life beforehand may equip themselves at the expense of joy.

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) English novelist, essayist, critic
Howard’s End, ch. 7 (1910)

The only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves.

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) English novelist, essayist, critic
Two Cheers for Democracy, “A Book That Influenced Me” (1951)

I believe in aristocracy though – If that is the right word, and a democrat may use it. Not an aristocracy of power, based upon rank and influence, but an aristocracy of the sensitive, the considerate and the plucky. Its members are to be found in all nations and classes, and all through the ages, and there is a secret understanding between them when they meet. They represent the true human tradition, the one permanent victory of our queer race over cruelty and choas. Thousands of them perish in obscurity, a few are great names. They are sensitive to others as well as for themselves, they are considerate without being fussy, their pluck is not swankiness, but the power to endure, and they can take a joke.

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) English novelist, essayist, critic
Two Cheers for Democracy, “What I Believe” (1938)

If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) English novelist, essayist, critic
Two Cheers for Democracy, “What I Believe” (1938)