“To take what there is, and use it, without waiting forever in vain for the preconceived — to dig deep into the actual and get something out of that — this doubtless is the right way to live.”
Notebook entry, London, 1889-05-12.
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Henry James 154
American novelist, short story author, and literary critic 1843–1916Related quotes

“No way do you take us out without a deal.”
Parliament suspension: Thousands protest across the UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49534940 BBC News (31 August 2019)
2010s, 2019

“In a political struggle, never get personal — else the dagger digs too deep.”
As quoted in "What Jack Valenti Taught Us All" in The Washingtion Post (28 April 2007) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/27/AR2007042701782.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

On his relationship with Mary Austin, as quoted in "Rock On Freddie" (1985).
Context: Our love affair ended in tears but a deep bond grew out of it, and that's something nobody can take away from us. It's unreachable … All my lovers ask me why they can't replace her, but it's simply impossible.
I don't feel jealous of her lovers because. of course, she has a life to lead, and so do I. Basically, I try to make sure she's happy with whoever she's with and she tries to do the same for me.
We look after each other and that's a wonderful form of love. I might have all the problems in the world, but I have Mary and that gets me through.

Source: Telling Secrets (1991)

Source: You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

As quoted in "Headbanger's Ball" (10 December 1996), MTV Europe.
1990s