“We relate the poems and plays and novels we read and see, not to the men who wrote them, nor even directly to ourselves; we relate them to each other. Literature is a world that we try to build up and enter at the same time.”

The Educated Imagination (1963), Talk 3: Giants in Time

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Canadian literary critic and literary theorist 1912–1991

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“Literature is a world that we try to build up and enter at the same time.”

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Context: We relate the poems and plays and novels we read and see, not to the men who wrote them, nor even directly to ourselves; we relate them to each other. Literature is a world that we try to build up and enter at the same time.

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“In literature you don't just read one poem or novel after another, but enter into a complete world of which every work of literature forms part.”

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“In literature you don't just read one poem or novel after another, but enter into a complete world of which every work of literature forms part. This affects the writer as much as it does the reader.”

Northrop Frye (1912–1991) Canadian literary critic and literary theorist

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“When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.”

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“When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.”

Confucius (-551–-479 BC) Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher

James Legge, translation (1893)
When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self.
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When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
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