Ah, Sir, a novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At … - Stendhal

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Ah, Sir, a novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At one moment it reflects to your vision the azure skies, at another the mire of the puddles at your feet. And the man who carries this mirror in his pack will be accused by you of being immoral! His mirror shews the mire, and you blame the mirror! Rather blame that high road upon which the puddle lies, still more the inspector of roads who allows the water to gather and the puddle to form.

Stendhal

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novels books social-criticism satire

English

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About Stendhal

Marie-Henri Beyle (January 23, 1783 – March 23, 1842), more widely known as Stendhal, the most famous of his many pen-names, was a 19th century French writer.

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Also Known As

Pen Names: Henri Stendhal • Stendalis • Louis Alexandre Bombet • Anastase de Serpière • Don Flegme • William Crocodile • Dominique

Alternative Names: Henri Beyle • Marie Henri Beyle • Marie-Henri Beyle

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A novel is a mirror walking along a main road.

Originators like Stendhal:

Honoré de Balzac George Sand Oscar Wilde William Somerset Maugham Molière

Additional quotes by Stendhal

Le goût de la liberté, la mode et le culte du bonheur du plus grand nombre, dont le XIXe siècle s'est entiché, n'étaient à ses yeux qu'une hérésie qui passera comme les autres.

Il n’y a point de droit naturel: ce mot n'est qu’une antique niaiserie... Avant la loi il n’y a de naturel que la force du lion, ou le besoin de l’être qui a faim, qui a froid, le besoin en un mot.

Napoléon était bien l'homme envoyé de Dieu pour les jeunes Français! Qui le remplacera?

Ah, Sir, a novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At one moment it reflects to your vision the azure skies, at another the mire of the puddles … - Stendhal

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