George William Russell
George William Russell
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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George William Russell was born on April 10, 1867, in Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland. He is also known by his pen name, AE (A.E.).
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 10, 1867
Died: May 17, 1935
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Russell was an Irish poet, painter, and mystic. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Irish Literary Revival.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a Presbyterian family in Lurgan, Russell showed a natural aptitude for art from an early age. He attended the National College of Art in Dublin and later moved to London to study painting under Walter Sickert at the Newlyn School. However, he soon became disillusioned with the commercial aspects of art and turned his attention to poetry.
Major Accomplishments
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Russell's poetry is characterized by its mystical and philosophical themes, which reflect his interest in Theosophy and Eastern spirituality. He was a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival and was associated with other prominent writers of the time, including W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Russell's most notable works include:
The Candle of Vision (1918) - a collection of poetry that explores themes of mysticism and spirituality.
The Problem of Ireland (1905) - an essay in which Russell argues for Irish independence from Britain.
* Nationality and Culture (1934) - a collection of essays on the importance of cultural identity.
Russell was also a talented painter, and his works can be found in various galleries throughout Ireland.
Impact and Legacy
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Russell's poetry and writings had a significant impact on Irish literature and culture. He is remembered as a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival and for his contributions to the development of modern Irish poetry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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AE Russell is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking and poetic insights into the human experience. His writings on mysticism, spirituality, and cultural identity continue to inspire readers today.
Quotes by George William Russell
After the spiritual powers, there is no thing in the world more unconquerable than the spirit of nationality. The spirit of nationality in Ireland will persist even though the mightiest of material powers be its neighbor.
Reason, alas, does not remove mountains. It only tries to walk around them, and see what is on the other side.
No leader, however great a personality he may be, is as important to a people as their own intellectual development.
A literary movement: five or six people who live in the same town and hate each other.
We must pass like smoke or live within the spirit's fire; For we can no more than smoke unto the flame return If our thought has changed to dream, our will unto desire, As smoke we vanish though the fire may burn.
In ancient shadows and twilightsWhere childhood had strayed,The world's great sorrows were bornAnd its heroes were made.In the lost boyhood of JudasChrist was betrayed.
A young man who had been troubling society with impalpable doctrines of a new civilization which he called "the Kingdom of Heaven" had been put out of the way; and I can imagine that believer in material power murmuring as he went homeward, "it will all blow over now." Yes. The wind from the Kingdom of Heaven has blown over the world, and shall blow for centuries yet.
There is a law in human nature which draws us to like what we passionately condemn.