“The what you have to say depends on your age.”

— Matthew Arnold

Letter to Arthur Hugh Clough (December 1847/early 1848)
Context: Had Shakespeare and Milton lived in the atmosphere of modern feeling, had they had the multitude of new thoughts and feelings to deal with a modern has, I think it likely the style of each would have been far less curious and exquisite. For in a man style is the saying in the best way what you have to say. The what you have to say depends on your age. In the 17th century it was a smaller harvest than now, and sooner to be reaped; and therefore to its reaper was left time to stow it more finely and curiously. Still more was this the case in the ancient world. The poet's matter being the hitherto experience of the world, and his own, increases with every century.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "The what you have to say depends on your age." by Matthew Arnold?

Matthew Arnold 166

English poet and cultural critic who worked as an inspector… 1822–1888

Related quotes

“If your happiness depends on what somebody else does, I guess you do have a problem.”

Richard Bach (1936) American spiritual writer

Illusions : The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah (1977)

“What we do attracts to a certain type of people. I don't think age has anything to do with it: either you get into it or you don't. You can be 16 or 60 and you will like us or not depending on your sensibilities.”

Robert Smith (musician) (1959) English singer, songwriter and musician

X-Press Magazine, Australia, September 2000

“You understand your responsibilities better than guardians twice your age. You'll do what you have to do to succeed.”

Richelle Mead Vampire Academy

Source: Vampire Academy

“Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think.”

Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) American writer and lecturer

As quoted in Plenty of Time to Sleep When You're Dead : A Compilation of Life-changing Quotes (2006) by Richard Caridi
As quoted in Sprituality in a Materialistic World (2008) by Leslie Klein
Variant: Remember happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.