Israel Zangwill Quotes - Page 2

There are three reasons why men of genius have long hair. One is, that they forget it is growing. The second is, that they like it. The third is, that it comes cheaper; they wear it long for the same reason they wear their hats long.

Selfishness is the only real atheism; aspiration, unselfishness, the only real religion.

No Jew was ever fool enough to turn Christian unless he was a clever man.

O God... make me a child again, even before I die; give me back the simple faith, the clear vision of the child that holds its father's hand.

The only true love is love at first sight; second sight dispels it.

Dead men hear no tales; posthumous fame is an Irish bull.

Scratch the Christian and you find the pagan - spoiled.

How full and rich a world Theirs to inhabit is-- Sweet scent of grass and bloom, Playmates' glad symphony, Cool touch of western wind, Sunshine's divine caress. How should they know or feel They are in darkness? But, oh, the miracle! If a Redeemer came, Laid finger on their eyes-- One touch and what a world, New-born in loveliness!

[T]he German censorship forbade or mutilated my every book, which was like sticking pins into my soul.

...the wonderful poems interpreting with equal magic the romance of strange lands and times, or the modern soul, naked and unashamed, as if clothed in its own complexity; the humorous-tragic questionings of the universe; the delicious travel-pictures and fantasies; the lucid criticisms of art, and politics, and philosophy, informed with malicious wisdom, shimmering with poetry and wit.

In how many lives does love really play a dominant part? The average taxpayer is no more capable of the grand passion than of a grand opera.

I hate French poetry. What measured glitter!

Editors are constantly on the watch to discover new talents in old names.