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1 " Yet magic is no more the art of employing consciously invisible means to produce visible effects. Will, love, and imagination are magic powers that everyone possesses; and whoever knows how to develop them to their fullest extent is a magician. Magic has but one dogma, namely, that the seen is the measure of the unseen. "
― W. Somerset Maugham , The Magician
2 " He was no longer the awkward man of social intercourse, who was sufficiently conscious of his limitations not to talk of what he did not understand, and sincere enough not to express admiration for what he did not like. "
3 " She had asked if he was good-looking. 'No, I don't think he is,' answered Margaret, 'but he's very paintable.' 'That is an answer which has the advantage of sounding well and meaning nothing,' smiled Susie. She "
4 " She had learnt long ago that common sense, intelligence, good-nature, and strength of character were unimportant in comparison with a pretty face. "
5 " Dr. Porhoët knew that a diversity of interests, though it adds charm to a man's personality, tends to weaken him. To excel one's fellows it is needful to be circumscribed. He did not regret, therefore, that Arthur in many ways was narrow, "
6 " The Magus,the sorcerer, the alchemist, are seized with the fascination of the unknown; and they desire a greatness that is inaccessible to mankind. "
7 " Dr Porhoët knew that a diversity of interests, though it adds charm to a man’s personality, tends to weaken him. To excel one’s fellows it is needful to be circumscribed. "
8 " He seemed to have a positive instinct for operating, and his hand and his brain worked in a manner that appeared almost automatic. He never hesitated, and he had no fear of failure. "
9 " If my eyes show me what all my training assures me is impossible, I can only conclude that my eyes deceive me. "
10 " If a wise man studies the science of the occult, his duty is not to laugh at everything, but to seek patiently, slowly, perseveringly, the truth that may be concealed in the night of these illusions. "
11 " peculiar excitement at the mysterious array. She ran her eyes "
12 " One of my cherished ideas is that it is impossible to love without imagination "
13 " Do not pay any attention to that gentleman. His morals are detestable, and he seeks only to lead you from the narrow path of virtue. "