Henry James quotes

Quotes by Henry James

1. Language learning

   “Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

   – Henry James, Quoted in Edith Wharton, A Backward Glance (1934)

   Meaning: Some words are loved for their sound and the feelings they bring. For James, "summer afternoon" meant warmth, calm and happiness.

2. Life

   “Live all you can; it's a mistake not to.”

   – Henry James, The Ambassadors (1903)

   Meaning: Enjoy every experience life offers. Holding back and missing chances is the real error.

3. Kindness

   “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”

   – Henry James

   Meaning: By repeating the same answer three times, James says kindness is the most important thing in life, more than anything else.