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In general, when the imagination is at all noble, it is irresistible, and therefore those who can at all resist it ought to resist it. Be a plain topographer if you possibly can; if Nature meant you to be anything else, she will force you to it; but never try to be a prophet.

— John Ruskin Modern Painters (1843)

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More quotes by John Ruskin

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless: peacocks and lilies, for instance.

The Stones of Venice (1853)

In painting as in eloquence, the greater your strength, the quieter your manner.

Modern Painters (1843)

Life without industry is guilt, and industry without art is brutality.

Lectures on Art (1870)

When we build, let us think that we build for ever.

The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849)

He who has the truth at his heart need never fear the want of persuasion on his tongue.

The Stones of Venice (1853)

All John Ruskin quotes →

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Ruskin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.