16+ Ethel Smyth Quotes On Education, Religion And Road

Ethel Smyth was an English composer, writer, and suffragette. She was one of the first prominent female composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was the first woman to be made an honorary member of the Royal Philharmonic Society. She wrote a range of works including operas, choral music, and chamber pieces, as well as writing books and articles on music and feminism. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Ethel Smyth on education, religion, love.

I feel I must fight for [my music], because I want women to turn their minds to big and difficult jobs; not just to go on hugging the shore, afraid to put out to sea. — Ethel Smyth

The charms of seclusion are seldom combined with the conveniences of civilization. — Ethel Smyth

If a young dog strays up the aisle during church no one says anything, no one does anything, but, none the less, he soon becomes aware that something is wrong. Even so, as the distance between myself and the hearthrug diminished, did I become aware that something was very wrong indeed. — Ethel Smyth

when I came to know Greek art I instantly understood that excess and perfection are enemies; yet on the other hand this world and the millions of worlds around us live by fire ... ! — Ethel Smyth

night after night I went to sleep murmuring, 'To-morrow I will be easy, strong, quick, supple, accurate, dashing and self-controlled all at once!' For not less than this is necessary in the Game of Life called Golf. — Ethel Smyth

I have often noticed that when Fate has a phenomenal run of ill luck in store for you, she begins by dropping a rare piece of good fortune into your lap, thereby enhancing the artistic effect of the sequel. — Ethel Smyth

the majority of critical, and plenty of uncritical, readers find quotations a bore. — Ethel Smyth

acceptance is an art that must be mastered if we want to keep our friends for the span of life that remains to us, and presently step off the stage with our self-respect intact. — Ethel Smyth

if you take passionate interest in a subject, it is hard not to believe yourself specially equipped for it. — Ethel Smyth

crawling about the floor like half-dead November flies is one thing, and dancing reels another. — Ethel Smyth

The habit some writers indulge in of perpetual quotation is one it behooves lovers of good literature to protest against, for it is an insidious habit which in the end must cloud the stream of thought, or at least check spontaneity. If it be true that le style c'est l homme, what is likely to happen if l homme is for ever eking out his own personality with that of some other individual? — Ethel Smyth

No doubt other writers have often put a thing more brilliantly, more subtly than even a very cunning artist in words can hope to emulate, a supreme phrase being a bit of luck that only happens now and then. And inasmuch as the condiments and secret travail of human nature are always the same, and that certain psychological moments must ever and ever recur, what more tempting than to pin down such a moment with the blow of a borrowed hammer? — Ethel Smyth

no one is more trustworthy than the repentant sinner who has been found out. — Ethel Smyth

[On golf:] ... though aware I could never be more than a humble potterer, it was impossible to repress the wild upsurgings of hope known to all middle-aged beginners. — Ethel Smyth

I can imagine nothing more tiresome than always to speak of people as if they were listening at the door. — Ethel Smyth

If some people are right, artists are put into this world not to practice their art, but to talk about it. And judging by the flattering invitations many a humble climber will receive to pontificate from the lowest rung but one of the ladder, humanity is in a dangerously receptive frame of mind, and artists a race devoid of either modesty or sense of humor. — Ethel Smyth

Life Lessons by Ethel Smyth

1. Ethel Smyth's work demonstrates that it is possible to have a successful career as a female composer, despite the obstacles and prejudice she faced.
2. Her compositions show that it is possible to create music that is both accessible and progressive, combining traditional and modern elements.
3. Her life and work serve as a reminder to never give up in the face of adversity, and to always strive for excellence in one's art.