Quotations from

Lionel Trilling

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Picture of Lionel Trilling

Lionel Mordecai Trilling (July 4, 1905 – November 5, 1975) was an American literary critic, short story writer, essayist, and teacher. One of the leading U.S. critics of the 20th century, he analyzed the contemporary cultural, social, and political implications of literature. He and his wife, Diana Trilling (née Rubin), were members of the New York Intellectuals and contributors to the Partisan Review.

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Quotes from Lionel Trilling

We who are liberal and progressive know that the poor are our equals in every sense except that of being equal to us.

—Lionel Trilling

Immature artists imitate. Mature artists steal.

—Lionel Trilling

It is now life and not art that requires the willing suspension of disbelief.

—Lionel Trilling

What marks the artist is his power to shape the material of pain we all have.

—Lionel Trilling