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“ But this should not lead any sensible journalist to have an exaggerated idea of the importance of the work done by his fraternity. What journalists write are at the best ephemeral in influence and length of life. And the value of journalistic productions cannot equal the products of creative genius. ”

“ Nevertheless it may be said in general terms that those who possess creative genius or the capacity to produce something of lasting value—lasting in the comparative human sense, for nothing merely human is everlasting—should not, except temporarily in case of need, give to journalism what is meant for a higher vocation. ”

“ It is, of course, very difficult to judge for oneself whether one possesses creative genius or not. It is also difficult even for good critics to judge at first whether a budding poet or artist is destined to produce things of lasting worth. ”

“ What journalists produce cannot take rank with genuine poetry, drama, romance, song, music, painting, sculpture, architecture, scientific discovery, etc. Some artist or poet or dramatist may to-day be obliged by circumstances to seek the favour of some editor or other, but twenty-five or fifty years hence the editor’s bare name alone may survive, whilst the poor unrecognised man of genius of to-day may become a luminary in the firmament of literature and art. ”