Writing is like a “lust,” or like “scratching when you itch.” Writing comes as a result of a very strong impulse, and when it does come, I for one must get it out.
Impulse Quotes
Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
Vanity as an impulse has without doubt been of far more benefit to civilization than modesty has ever been.
In arriving at moral resolution, people’s first impulse is to put their own needs and desires ahead of ethical commitments. But once they have had time to reflect on their choices, especially if they have had time to reflect on their choices, especially if the larger society provides moral support, the ethical dimension asserts itself, […]
The virtue of the camera is not the power it has to transform the photographer into an artist, but the impulse it gives him to keep on looking.
To no form of religion is woman indebted for one impulse of freedom.
The discovery of song and the creation of musical instruments both owed their origin to a human impulse which lies much deeper than conscious intention: the need for rhythm in life… the need is a deep one, transcending thought, and disregarded at our peril.
There is no firm leash holding back sinful impulses… The doctrine of hell is not just some dusty, theological holdover from the unenlightened Middle Ages. It has significant social consequences. Without ultimate justice, people’s sense of moral obligation dissolves; social bonds are broken.
It is hard to fight against impulsive desire: whatever it wants, it will buy at the cost of the soul.
Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived of spontaneity, then society severs the root of art.
