Does Henry Miller discuss the role of the artist in society in this collection?

Yes, Miller deeply explores the role of the artist in society, notably in essays like 'An Open Letter to All and Sundry.' He advocates for artistic integrity and freedom from conventional constraints, seeing the artist as a vital, often rebellious, voice.

What is 'The Immorality of Morality' about?

'The Immorality of Morality' is Henry Miller's eloquent and provocative discussion of censorship. In this essay, he challenges conventional moral codes and argues against their restrictive impact on art, literature, and personal expression.

How does Henry Miller's view on economics differ from traditional perspectives?

Miller's essay 'Money and How It Gets That Way' is a satirical parody of economics, provoked by Ezra Pound. It's a tongue-in-cheek exploration that critiques conventional financial systems, reflecting Miller's unconventional and often humorous take on societal structures.

Are there autobiographical elements or personal stories included in the book?

Yes, the collection includes several autobiographical stories, such as 'First Love,' offering intimate glimpses into Miller's personal experiences. There are also portraits of friends and reflections on his own passions, like painting.

Does 'The Angel is My Watermark' focus on Miller's writing or painting?

'The Angel is My Watermark' specifically details Henry Miller's passionate love affair with painting. It provides insight into his artistic endeavors beyond writing and his deep connection to visual art.

How does 'Stand Still Like the Hummingbird' relate to Miller's earlier works like 'Tropic of Cancer'?

While 'Stand Still Like the Hummingbird' is a collection of essays and stories, it reflects the same incredible vitality and variety of interests that extended the frontiers of modern literature in 'Tropic of Cancer.' It offers a more direct insight into his philosophical underpinnings and less narrative fiction.

What kind of writers and artists does Miller discuss in this collection?

Miller discusses a range of writers and artists, including essays on figures like Walt Whitman, Thoreau, Sherwood Anderson, and Ionesco. He also provides portraits of friends, such as 'Patchen: Man of Anger and Light,' showcasing his wide literary and artistic appreciation.

Is 'Stand Still Like the Hummingbird' suitable for readers new to Henry Miller?

Yes, this collection is highly readable and provides an excellent entry point for new readers to Henry Miller's philosophy and diverse interests. It offers a comprehensive overview of his thoughts without requiring prior knowledge of his more controversial novels.

Stand Still Like the Hummingbird Summary by Henry Miller | BookBrief

Name: Stand Still Like the Hummingbird
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.13 (1122 reviews)
ISBN: 9780811203227

Henry Miller explores money with humor, defends the artist's role, and declares his love for painting, all while questioning societal norms with wit and insight.

Synopsis

Henry Miller, in a collection of essays, argues for rethinking how we live. He encourages people to accept life's contradictions, especially the balance between stillness and motion, and the need for both detachment and deep involvement. He believes true self-expression comes from knowing oneself, rejecting societal rules (especially about money and censorship), and committing to one's unique vision. For Miller, life is a continuous discovery, best lived by those who see art not just as creation but as a deep love for existence, much like a hummingbird that stays still while constantly moving.

Reading time

240 min

Difficulty

Medium

✓ Read this if...

You are intrigued by philosophical musings on art, authenticity, and societal rebellion, and appreciate a stream-of-consciousness style that challenges conventional thinking.

✗ Skip this if...

You prefer structured arguments, a clear narrative, or are easily put off by unconventional language and a lack of traditional academic rigor.

Plot Summary

Principal Figures

Themes & Insights

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to become aware, joyously, drunkenly, divinely aware.”

— Reflecting on the purpose of existence and the nature of being.

“To imagine is everything. To imagine is the divine. It is the creative act.”

— Discussing the power of imagination in human experience and creation.

“The world is not to be put in order; the world is order incarnate. It is we who are in disorder.”

— Challenging the human tendency to try and control or 'fix' the external world, rather than looking inward.

“One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”

— Exploring the idea of travel and personal journeys as transformative experiences.

“The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

— Highlighting the importance of mindfulness and deep observation in appreciating the world.

“The story of my life is the story of the search for myself.”

— A concise summary of his lifelong quest for self-discovery and understanding.

“Every day we slaughter our finest impulses. That is why we get a heartache when we encounter generosity, integrity, and love in others.”

— Lamenting the suppression of genuine human qualities in daily life.

“The greatest joy of all is to be a creator.”

— Emphasizing the profound satisfaction derived from the act of creation.

“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.”

— Suggesting that overcoming fear is essential for true living and freedom.

“The world is a magnificent place, and there is no end to the wonder of it.”

— Expressing an overarching sense of awe and appreciation for existence.

“Art teaches nothing, except the significance of life.”

— Defining the fundamental role and impact of art on human understanding.

“The human race is a race of cowards, and I am the first among them.”

— A self-deprecating yet profound admission about human frailty and the universal struggle with courage.

“To be free, to walk on the earth, to see the sky, to love, to be loved, to create, to destroy, to be reborn, to die, to live.”

— A poetic enumeration of the core experiences and cycles of life, emphasizing freedom.

“I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.”

— A paradoxical statement reflecting his detached perspective on material wealth and conventional success, finding joy in simplicity.

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'Stand Still Like the Hummingbird' encapsulates Henry Miller's personal philosophy of life, advocating for a vibrant engagement with existence, artistic freedom, and a critical view of societal norms. It's a collection that reflects his diverse interests and his unique perspective on human experience.

About the author

Henry Miller

Henry Valentine Miller was an American novelist. He broke with existing literary forms and developed a new type of semi-autobiographical novel that blended character study, social criticism, philosophical reflection, stream of consciousness, explicit language, sex, surrealist free association, and mysticism. His most characteristic works of this kind are Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn, and the trilogy The Rosy Crucifixion, which are based on his experiences in New York and Paris. He also wrote travel memoirs and literary criticism, and painted watercolors.