William Butler Yeats

Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We are happy when we are growing.

— William Butler Yeats

How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.

— William Butler Yeats

If suffering brings wisdom, I would wish to be less wise.

— William Butler Yeats

I have believed the best of every man. And find that to believe is enough to make a bad man show him at his best, or even a good man swings his lantern higher.

— William Butler Yeats

I heard the old, old, men say 'all that's beautiful drifts away, like the waters.'

— William Butler Yeats

In dreams begins responsibility.

— William Butler Yeats

I think it better that in times like these a poet's mouth be silent, for in truth we have no gift to set a statesman right.

— William Butler Yeats

I think you can leave the arts, superior or inferior, to the conscience of mankind.

— William Butler Yeats

Joy is the will which labors which overcomes obstacles which knows triumph.

— William Butler Yeats

Life is a long preparation for something that never happens.

— William Butler Yeats