But if, like a bold painter, you had first sketched in a few audacious strokes the outline of the picture you had in your own soul, you would then ea… - E. T. A. Hoffmann

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But if, like a bold painter, you had first sketched in a few audacious strokes the outline of the picture you had in your own soul, you would then easily have been able to deepen and intensify the colors one after the other, until the varied throng of living figures carried your friends away and they, like you, saw themselves in the midst of the scene that had proceeded out of your own soul.

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About E. T. A. Hoffmann

Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (24 January 1776 – 25 June 1822), better known by his pen name E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and horror, a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist. He is the subject and hero of Jacques Offenbach's opera The Tales of Hoffmann, a fictionalized account.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann
Alternative Names: Ernst Theodor Wilhelm. Hoffman Ernst Theodor Amedeus Hoffmann Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffman E.T.A. Hoffmann Ernst Theodor Hoffmann Amadeus Hoffman Amadeus Hoffmann E. T. Hoffmann ernst theodor amadeus hoffmann e. th. a. hoffmann Ernst Theodore Wilhelm Hoffmann Ernst T. A. Hoffmann Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann
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Additional quotes by E. T. A. Hoffmann

With the confidence and peace of mind native to true genius, I lay my life story before the world, so that the reader may learn how to educate himself to be a great tomcat, may recognize the full extent of my excellence, may love, value, honour and admire me- and worship me a little.

Should anyone be audacious enough to think of casting doubt on the sterling worth of this remarkable book, let him reflect that he is dealing with a tomcat possessed of intellect, understanding, and sharp claws.

[E]ven in gay, easygoing, and carefree minds there may exist a presentiment of dark powers within ourselves which are bent upon our own destruction.

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