“Thus, for instance, opium, like wine, gives an expansion to the heart and the benevolent affections; but then with this remarkable difference, that in the sudden development of kind heartedness which accompanies inebriation, there is always more or less of a maudlin character which exposes it to the contempt of the bystander. Men shake theirContinue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Three) (Thomas De Quincey)”
Tag Archives: “Confessions of an English Opium Eater”
RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part One) (Thomas De Quincey)
“But the main distinction is this, that whereas wine disorders the mental faculties, opium, on the contrary (if taken in a proper manner), introduces amongst them the most exquisite order, legislation, and harmony. Wine robs a man of his self-possession; opium greatly invigorates it. Wine unsettles and clouds the judgement, and gives a preternatural brightness,Continue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part One) (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: Natural Courage and a Sudden Influx of Money (Thomas De Quincey)
“…that vast power and possessions make a man shamefully afraid of dying: and I am convinced that many of the most intrepid adventurers, who by fortunately by being vey poor, enjoy the full use of their natural courage, would, at the very instant of going into action news were brought to them that they hasContinue reading “RKS British Literature: Natural Courage and a Sudden Influx of Money (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: Who Are the Opium Eaters in England? (Thomas De Quincey)
“Reader, I am sorry to say, a very numerous class indeed. Of this I became convinced some years ago by computing at that time, the number of those in one small class of English society (the class of men distinguished for talents, or of eminent station), who were known to me, directly or indirectly, asContinue reading “RKS British Literature: Who Are the Opium Eaters in England? (Thomas De Quincey)”
RKS British Literature: A Philosopher’s Reflection on Opium (Thomas De Quincey)
“I may affirm that my life has been on the whole, the life of a philosopher; from my birth I was made an intellectual creature: and intellectual in the highest sense of my pursuits and pleasures have been, even from my school-boy days. If opium eating be a sensual pleasure, and if I am boundContinue reading “RKS British Literature: A Philosopher’s Reflection on Opium (Thomas De Quincey)”
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