Introduction:
Charles Dickens was one of the most renowned writers of the 19th century. Though he lived over 150 years ago, many of his witty, profound, insightful quotes remain relevant today. Let’s look at some of the most memorable Charles Dickens quotes that continue to resonate with readers.
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Charles Dickens Quotes on Love
Dickens perfectly captured the agony and ecstasy of love in his novels, plays and short stories. Here are some of his most famous quotes on love:
- “Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” is a beautiful sentiment about maintaining kindness and gentleness in love.
- “Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest.” – On the importance of giving one’s all in everything, including relationships.
- “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.” is an achingly romantic line from A Tale of Two Cities.
Charles Dickens Quotes on Society
Dickens was a sharp critic of social ills such as poverty, inequality and greed. Here are some of his wisest words on society:
- “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” is a good reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a difference.
- “This is a world of action, and not for moping and droning in.” – On the necessity of taking initiative to create change, rather than just complaining.
- “Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.” – Advocating for compassion and fairness in improving society.
7 Famous Quotations from Charles Dickens
Here are seven of Dickens’ most celebrated quotes that you’ve likely heard before:
- “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – A Tale of Two Cities.
- “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days.” – A Christmas Carol.
- “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.“
- “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.“
- “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
- “This is a world of action, and not for moping and droning in.”
- “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done.” – A Tale of Two Cities.
Charles Dickens Quotes on Education
As a champion of the poor and underprivileged, Dickens advocated for equal access to education. Here are two great examples:
- “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” is wise advice for empowering others through education.
- “A day wasted on others is not wasted on one’s self.” – How educating and uplifting others enriches oneself.
Charles Dickens Quotes on Happiness
Dickens had a remarkably upbeat outlook in the face of personal trials and the poverty he observed. Here are two happiest quotes:
- “Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.“
- “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Funny Charles Dickens Quotes
Dickens was a master of wit and satire. Here are two amusing quips:
- “There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.”
- “Never close your lips to those whom you have opened your heart.”
Charles Dickens Quotes on Time
Dickens recognized time as our most precious commodity. He warned against wasting it with these two quotes:
- “Lost time is never found again.”
- “Procrastination is the thief of time.”
Charles Dickens’ memorable quotes span a range of themes that connect with readers across generations. His words on love, society, happiness, education and timelessness continue to resonate over a century after his death. Dickens’ wit, wisdom and turn of phrase live on through his quotes.
Most Famous Charles Dickens Quotes
Here is a summary of some of Charles Dickens’s most celebrated quotes:
- On love: “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.“
- On society: “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
- On education: “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
- On happiness: “Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.“
- On time: “Procrastination is the thief of time.”
Charles Dickens’ immortal words continue to inspire us today. His quotes on love, social reform, the joys of life, learning and making the most of our time remind us of what matters most. Revisiting the wisdom in Dickens’ writings is always worthwhile.
Conclusion
Charles Dickens’ quotes highlight his astute observations on love, society, happiness and the human condition. Many of his lines have become so widely known because they express universal truths that resonate across cultures and generations. Studying Dickens’ famous quotations provides a window into one of history’s most significant literary minds. Whether funny, uplifting, romantic or sobering, the insightful words of Dickens endure as a testament to both his genius and shared human experiences.
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Q: Who was Charles Dickens?
A: Charles Dickens was an English novelist from 1812 to 1870. He wrote classics like ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘David Copperfield’ and ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. Dickens is considered one of the greatest writers in the English language.
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Q: Why are Charles Dickens’ quotes still famous today?
A: Charles Dickens had a brilliant way with words that made his quotes memorable and applicable even now, over 150 years later. His quotes on life, love, society, happiness and timelessness resonate with truth and wit. Dickens had keen insights into human nature that made his words timeless.
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Q: What are some of Charles Dickens’s most famous quotes?
A: Some of Dickens’ most well-known quotes include “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”, “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts”, and “Procrastination is the thief of time”. His quotes are still widely circulated today.