"People think that I can teach them style. What stuff it all is! Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of style."

Matthew Arnold Literature See all quotes by Matthew Arnold →

React to this quote

More by Matthew Arnold

“The governing idea of Hellenism is spontaneity of consciousness; that of Hebraism, strictness of conscience.”

“If one were searching for the best means to efface and kill in a whole nation the discipline of self-respect, the feeling for what is elevated, he could do no better than take the American newspapers.”

“Eutrapelia. "A happy and gracious flexibility," Pericles calls this quality of the Athenians...lucidity of thought, clearness and propriety of language, freedom from prejudice and freedom from stiffness, openness of mind, amiability of manners.”

“Style…is a peculiar recasting and heightening, under a certain condition of spiritual excitement, of what a man has to say, in such a manner as to add dignity and distinction to it.”

“The W.T. Stead Resource Site”

“Thou hast no right to bliss.”

Resonant Thoughts

"We can’t lose the arts in schools. We just cannot. I would not have graduated school had I not had my drama program or my music program. My sisters are both musicians. My little sister teaches music a…"

— Sierra Boggess

Music1982

#education

"Experience rarely teaches its lessons directly but instead requires interpretation through the filter of preconceived theories, prejudices, and desires. Where these are invincible, facts are weak thin…"

— Anthony Daniels (psychiatrist)

Psychology1946

#education

"The power and influence of a movie star is curious: I didn't ask for it or take it; people gave it to me. Simply because you're a movie star, people empower you with special rights and privileges."

— Marlon Brando

Entertainment1924–2004

#justice

"It should be a privilege to be able to say "I love you" to someone. It shouldn't be something people say just because they feel like it. A privilege that is earned. They say you have to earn the right…"

— C. JoyBell C.

Literature

#love