“ Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. ”
Samuel Butler, The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912). copy citation
| Author | Samuel Butler |
|---|---|
| Source | The Note-Books of Samuel Butler |
| Topic | life music feeling instinct rule |
| Date | 1912 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6173/6173-h/6173-h.htm |
Context
“A sense of humour keen enough to show a man his own absurdities, as well as those of other people, will keep him from the commission of all sins, or nearly all, save those that are worth committing. XIII Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases—though not often.
XIV There are two great rules of life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that every one can, in the end, get what he wants if he only tries.” source
XIV There are two great rules of life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that every one can, in the end, get what he wants if he only tries.” source
Meaning and analysis
