George MacDonald - Reflections
@gmd-reflections.bsky.social
How does the condition of mind affect our life's journey? - Engaging the help of #GeorgeMacdonald and others as a springboard for ideas and principles of living.
https://gmdreflections.substack.com
https://gmdreflections.substack.com
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George MacDonald, Scottish author from Huntly, Aberdeenshire (1824-1905), influenced many later writers, including Chesterton, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Friend of Ruskin and Lewis Carroll.
Wrote fantasy and realistic fiction, including in Scots dialect, theological works and poetry.
Friend of Ruskin and Lewis Carroll.
Wrote fantasy and realistic fiction, including in Scots dialect, theological works and poetry.
(From "Paul Faber, Surgeon," CHAPTER III. ANOTHER SERMON)
January 6, 2026 at 11:32 AM
(From "Paul Faber, Surgeon," CHAPTER III. ANOTHER SERMON)
"It often seems to those in earnest about the right as if all things conspired to prevent their progress. This of course is but an appearance, arising in part from this, that the pilgrim must be headed back from the side paths into which he is constantly wandering."
George MacDonald
George MacDonald
January 6, 2026 at 11:32 AM
"It often seems to those in earnest about the right as if all things conspired to prevent their progress. This of course is but an appearance, arising in part from this, that the pilgrim must be headed back from the side paths into which he is constantly wandering."
George MacDonald
George MacDonald
"…if they will but climb, a hand will be held out to them."
George MacDonald
(From "Paul Faber, Surgeon," CHAPTER XXXVIII, THE MIND OF JULIET)
George MacDonald
(From "Paul Faber, Surgeon," CHAPTER XXXVIII, THE MIND OF JULIET)
January 5, 2026 at 5:27 AM
"…if they will but climb, a hand will be held out to them."
George MacDonald
(From "Paul Faber, Surgeon," CHAPTER XXXVIII, THE MIND OF JULIET)
George MacDonald
(From "Paul Faber, Surgeon," CHAPTER XXXVIII, THE MIND OF JULIET)
George MacDonald
(From: "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER LXI, THE PARISH REGISTER)
(From: "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER LXI, THE PARISH REGISTER)
January 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
George MacDonald
(From: "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER LXI, THE PARISH REGISTER)
(From: "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER LXI, THE PARISH REGISTER)
"…does any one know what the mere operation of his own thoughts signifies? I cannot isolate myself, especially in those moments when the individual will is less awake, from the ocean of life and thought which not only surrounds me, but on which I am in a sense one of the floating bubbles."
January 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
"…does any one know what the mere operation of his own thoughts signifies? I cannot isolate myself, especially in those moments when the individual will is less awake, from the ocean of life and thought which not only surrounds me, but on which I am in a sense one of the floating bubbles."
"It was a glorious morning. The wind had fallen quite, and the sun was shining as if he would say, 'Keep up your hearts; I am up here still. I have not forgotten you. By and by you shall see more of me.' "
George MacDonald
(From "Warlock o' Glenwarlock", CHAPTER XXVI, LOST AND FOUND)
George MacDonald
(From "Warlock o' Glenwarlock", CHAPTER XXVI, LOST AND FOUND)
December 31, 2025 at 9:22 AM
"It was a glorious morning. The wind had fallen quite, and the sun was shining as if he would say, 'Keep up your hearts; I am up here still. I have not forgotten you. By and by you shall see more of me.' "
George MacDonald
(From "Warlock o' Glenwarlock", CHAPTER XXVI, LOST AND FOUND)
George MacDonald
(From "Warlock o' Glenwarlock", CHAPTER XXVI, LOST AND FOUND)
"...And that self no man can find for himself; seeing of himself he does not even know what to search for. 'But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' "
George MacDonald
(From "Sir Gibbie," CHAPTER XXIV, THE SLATE)
George MacDonald
(From "Sir Gibbie," CHAPTER XXIV, THE SLATE)
December 29, 2025 at 10:08 PM
"...And that self no man can find for himself; seeing of himself he does not even know what to search for. 'But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' "
George MacDonald
(From "Sir Gibbie," CHAPTER XXIV, THE SLATE)
George MacDonald
(From "Sir Gibbie," CHAPTER XXIV, THE SLATE)
"...the finding of our deeper, our true self—God’s idea of us when he devised us—the Christ in us. Nothing but that self can displace the false, greedy, whining self, of which, most of us are so fond and proud...
December 29, 2025 at 10:08 PM
"...the finding of our deeper, our true self—God’s idea of us when he devised us—the Christ in us. Nothing but that self can displace the false, greedy, whining self, of which, most of us are so fond and proud...
"...vain were the fancy, by treatise or sermon or poem or tale, to persuade a man to forget himself. He cannot if he would. Sooner will he forget the presence of a raging tooth. There is no forgetting of ourselves but in...
December 29, 2025 at 10:08 PM
"...vain were the fancy, by treatise or sermon or poem or tale, to persuade a man to forget himself. He cannot if he would. Sooner will he forget the presence of a raging tooth. There is no forgetting of ourselves but in...
"...‘A great man is one who will try to do right against the devil himself: one who will not do wrong to please anybody or to save his life.’ "
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
December 28, 2025 at 10:23 AM
"...‘A great man is one who will try to do right against the devil himself: one who will not do wrong to please anybody or to save his life.’ "
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
"...To wrong any one is the most terrible thing in the world. Injustice to you is not an awful thing like injustice in you. I should like to see you a great man, Willie. Do you know what I mean by a great man?’
" ‘Something else than I know, I’m afraid, uncle,’ I answered...
" ‘Something else than I know, I’m afraid, uncle,’ I answered...
December 28, 2025 at 10:23 AM
"...To wrong any one is the most terrible thing in the world. Injustice to you is not an awful thing like injustice in you. I should like to see you a great man, Willie. Do you know what I mean by a great man?’
" ‘Something else than I know, I’m afraid, uncle,’ I answered...
" ‘Something else than I know, I’m afraid, uncle,’ I answered...
"...They think themselves lovers of justice, when it is only justice to themselves they care about. The true lover of justice is one who would rather die a slave than interfere with the rights of others...
December 28, 2025 at 10:23 AM
"...They think themselves lovers of justice, when it is only justice to themselves they care about. The true lover of justice is one who would rather die a slave than interfere with the rights of others...
" 'Never mind whether people praise you or not; you do what you ought to do. And don’t be always thinking of your rights. There are people who consider themselves very grand because they can’t bear to be interfered with...
December 28, 2025 at 10:23 AM
" 'Never mind whether people praise you or not; you do what you ought to do. And don’t be always thinking of your rights. There are people who consider themselves very grand because they can’t bear to be interfered with...
"...He took me about with him constantly, and I began to see him as he was, and to honour and love him more than ever."
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
December 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"...He took me about with him constantly, and I began to see him as he was, and to honour and love him more than ever."
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
George MacDonald
(From "Wilfrid Cumbermede," CHAPTER XI, A TALK WITH MY UNCLE)
"…from this time [my uncle] began to talk to me more as if I had been a grown man. There was a simplicity in his way of looking at things, however, which made him quite intelligible to a boy as yet uncorrupted by false aims or judgments..."
December 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"…from this time [my uncle] began to talk to me more as if I had been a grown man. There was a simplicity in his way of looking at things, however, which made him quite intelligible to a boy as yet uncorrupted by false aims or judgments..."
...'Ah, that indeed! How can you tell? Or how could I expect you should? But those who know me well, know me whatever new dress or shape or name I may be in; and by and by you will have learned to do so too.' "
George MacDonald
(From "The Princess and Curdie," CHAPTER VII, What Is in a Name?)
George MacDonald
(From "The Princess and Curdie," CHAPTER VII, What Is in a Name?)
December 22, 2025 at 10:14 PM
...'Ah, that indeed! How can you tell? Or how could I expect you should? But those who know me well, know me whatever new dress or shape or name I may be in; and by and by you will have learned to do so too.' "
George MacDonald
(From "The Princess and Curdie," CHAPTER VII, What Is in a Name?)
George MacDonald
(From "The Princess and Curdie," CHAPTER VII, What Is in a Name?)
...'You could not have given me a better answer, or done more to prepare yourself, Curdie,' she returned, with one of her radiant smiles. 'Do you think you will know me again?'
'I think so. But how can I tell what you may look like next?'
...
'I think so. But how can I tell what you may look like next?'
...
December 22, 2025 at 10:14 PM
...'You could not have given me a better answer, or done more to prepare yourself, Curdie,' she returned, with one of her radiant smiles. 'Do you think you will know me again?'
'I think so. But how can I tell what you may look like next?'
...
'I think so. But how can I tell what you may look like next?'
...
"Then the great old, young, beautiful princess turned to Curdie.
'Now, Curdie, are you ready?' she said.
'Yes, ma'am,' answered Curdie.
'You do not know what for.'
'You do, ma'am. That is enough.'
...
'Now, Curdie, are you ready?' she said.
'Yes, ma'am,' answered Curdie.
'You do not know what for.'
'You do, ma'am. That is enough.'
...
December 22, 2025 at 10:14 PM
"Then the great old, young, beautiful princess turned to Curdie.
'Now, Curdie, are you ready?' she said.
'Yes, ma'am,' answered Curdie.
'You do not know what for.'
'You do, ma'am. That is enough.'
...
'Now, Curdie, are you ready?' she said.
'Yes, ma'am,' answered Curdie.
'You do not know what for.'
'You do, ma'am. That is enough.'
...
"...For we should not then be shut up in ourselves, but would walk abroad in Him.' And with a light step and a light heart I went home."
George MacDonald
(From "Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood" CHAPTER XXVII - THE MAN AND THE CHILD)
George MacDonald
(From "Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood" CHAPTER XXVII - THE MAN AND THE CHILD)
December 17, 2025 at 11:31 PM
"...For we should not then be shut up in ourselves, but would walk abroad in Him.' And with a light step and a light heart I went home."
George MacDonald
(From "Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood" CHAPTER XXVII - THE MAN AND THE CHILD)
George MacDonald
(From "Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood" CHAPTER XXVII - THE MAN AND THE CHILD)
"I saw and felt the stars now, for hope had come again in my heart, and I thanked the God of hope. 'Our minds are small because they are faithless,' I said to myself. 'If we had faith in God, as our Lord tells us, our hearts would share in His greatness and peace..."
December 17, 2025 at 11:31 PM
"I saw and felt the stars now, for hope had come again in my heart, and I thanked the God of hope. 'Our minds are small because they are faithless,' I said to myself. 'If we had faith in God, as our Lord tells us, our hearts would share in His greatness and peace..."
(From "Robert Falconer," Book 1, CHAPTER XII. ROBERT'S PLAN OF SALVATION)
December 14, 2025 at 6:44 AM
(From "Robert Falconer," Book 1, CHAPTER XII. ROBERT'S PLAN OF SALVATION)
"….his was a nature which, foiled in one direction, must, absolutely helpless against its own vitality, straightway send out its searching roots in another. Of all forces, that of growth is the one irresistible, for it is the creating power of God, the law of life and of being."
George MacDonald
George MacDonald
December 14, 2025 at 6:44 AM
"….his was a nature which, foiled in one direction, must, absolutely helpless against its own vitality, straightway send out its searching roots in another. Of all forces, that of growth is the one irresistible, for it is the creating power of God, the law of life and of being."
George MacDonald
George MacDonald
"It was not long before his cogitations came to the point of action; for with men of Mr. Fuller's kind all their meditations have action for their result."
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XXXIII, MR. FULLER IN HIS CHURCH)
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XXXIII, MR. FULLER IN HIS CHURCH)
December 13, 2025 at 7:41 AM
"It was not long before his cogitations came to the point of action; for with men of Mr. Fuller's kind all their meditations have action for their result."
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XXXIII, MR. FULLER IN HIS CHURCH)
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XXXIII, MR. FULLER IN HIS CHURCH)
"…she was glad of the opportunity of doing some business of loving kindness…"
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XVII)
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XVII)
December 12, 2025 at 12:01 AM
"…she was glad of the opportunity of doing some business of loving kindness…"
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XVII)
George MacDonald
(From "Guild Court," CHAPTER XVII)
"...it was just the harmony of which I have spoken that led her, protected her, and, combined with a dim consciousness that she must be doing right in following out the loving impulses of her nature, supported her in the disagreeable circumstances into which she was sometimes brought.
December 12, 2025 at 12:01 AM
"...it was just the harmony of which I have spoken that led her, protected her, and, combined with a dim consciousness that she must be doing right in following out the loving impulses of her nature, supported her in the disagreeable circumstances into which she was sometimes brought.