“I do not like having to try to make myself like things; I like things that make me like them at once and no trying at all.”

—  Samuel Butler

On Knowing what Gives us Pleasure, ii
The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912), Part XIII - Unprofessional Sermons
Context: I should like to like Schumann’s music better than I do; I dare say I could make myself like it better if I tried; but I do not like having to try to make myself like things; I like things that make me like them at once and no trying at all.

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Samuel Butler photo
Samuel Butler 232
novelist 1835–1902

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