Washington Irving Quotes

A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all.

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making eve... -Washington Irving

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.

Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.

After all, it is the divinity within that makes the divinity without; and I have been more fascinated by a woman of talent and intelligence, though deficient in personal charms, than I have been by the most regular beauty.

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; ... -Washington Irving

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

Discovering the context

This quote highlights the contrasting responses of individuals with different mindsets to adversity or misfortune. It suggests that small-minded individuals may become disheartened or discouraged by setbacks, whereas great minds exhibit resilience and overcome challenges, using them as opportunities for growth and advancement.

Young lawyers attend the courts, not because they have business there, but because they have no business.

A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.

Marriage is the torment of one, the felicity of tw... -Washington Irving

Marriage is the torment of one, the felicity of two, the strife and enmity of three.

One of the greatest and simplest tools for learnin... -Washington Irving

One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more.

Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.

He is the true enchanter, whose spell operates, not upon the senses, but upon the imagination and the heart.

A woman's whole life is a history of the affection... -Washington Irving

A woman's whole life is a history of the affections.

Discovering the context

This quote suggests that the experiences and relationships of a woman throughout her life form a narrative or history primarily centered around emotional connections and attachments. It implies an emphasis on the emotional dimensions of a woman's life and the impact of relationships on her journey.

There is never jealousy where there is not strong ... -Washington Irving

There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard.

Discovering the context

This quote suggests that jealousy arises in situations where there is a significant level of regard or care for someone or something. It implies that jealousy is rooted in strong feelings or attachments. It reflects the correlation between jealousy and the intensity of emotional connections.

Those men are most apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad, who are under the discipline of shrews at home.

Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.

Discovering the context

This quote contrasts great minds, characterized by their sense of purpose and determination, with those who merely have wishes or aspirations without taking decisive action. It implies that true greatness is associated with a clear sense of direction, goals, and the drive to turn aspirations into reality.

There is certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position, and be bruised in a new place.

Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will f... -Washington Irving

Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.

Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the jokes are rather small and laughter abundant.

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.

The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to r... -Washington Irving

The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.

Washington Irving Quotes

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