Sesame and Lilies

Name: Sesame and Lilies
Author: John Ruskin

A set of essays and lectures advocates for the moral and educational power of books and teaching, urging careful, literal reading to recover an author's thought and humility about personal judgment. The author argues that true understanding combines intellectual clarity with passionate feeling, and that teachers who withhold truth or aid betray their duty and harm themselves. A linked essay examines the role and education of women, recommending robust physical training, active usefulness, and cultivation of moral sensibility. Throughout, reflections on art, literature, and public duty weave together critical observation, practical advice, and ethical exhortation.

By John Ruskin

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British Literature Essays, Letters & Speeches Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

About the Author

John Ruskin

John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a prominent English art critic, social thinker, and philanthropist, known for his influential writings on art and architecture. He played a crucial role in the Victorian art world, advocating for the appreciation of nature and the importance of craftsmanship. His notable works include "Modern Painters," where he championed the works of J.M.W. Turner, and "The Stones of Venice," which explored the relationship between architecture and society. Ruskin's later writings, such as "Fors Clavigera," reflect his deep concern for social issues and the welfare of workers. His legacy continues to impact art criticism and social thought.