Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated authors in the world, has left behind a literary legacy filled with timeless wisdom, keen social observations, and a profound understanding of human nature. His works continue to captivate readers, with his words echoing across generations. Whether addressing the plight of the poor, the complexities of human relationships, or the quest for justice, Dickens’ writing remains relevant and thought-provoking. This article explores 48 of his most famous quotes, which offer a glimpse into his rich and multifaceted perspective on life, society, and humanity.
48 Famous Charles Dickens Quotes That Inspire and Reflect
The Power of Change
1.“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
2. “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
3. “The one great principle of English law is to make business for itself.”
4. “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let it come in.”
5. “A day wasted on others is not wasted on oneself.”
6. “Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.”
7. “In this life, we want nothing but to be loved.”
8. “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
9. “The world is too full of the quarrels of the proud and the passionate.”
10. “I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.”
On Humanity and Compassion
11. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
12. “The one thing I would say to anyone is, don’t be afraid to be kind.”
13. “It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.”
14. “What is the use of being able to resist the temptations of the world if you have no power to do a little good?”
15. “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
16. “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”
17. “I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free.”
18. “There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.”
19. “We forge the chains we wear in life.”
20. “To do anything in life, be always the best at it.”
On Society and Justice
21. “The law is an ass – an idiot.”
22. “Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be.”
23. “The one principle of English law is to make business for itself.”
24. “I never saw a man who could not hold his tongue in the face of some tremendous wrong, and yet said nothing.”
25. “It is a principle of this law that it shall always have power.”
26. “Give a child a cold hand, and he will put up his head in the cold world.”
27. “God forgive me, but I do not see how I can be brave.”
28. “The best way to learn is by teaching others.”
29. “We are not what we ought to be. We are not what we wish to be. We are not what we are going to be. But what we are, we are.”
30. “We are at once the masters and the slaves of our choices.”
On Time and Life
31. “Time is money.”
32. “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.”
33. “The longest journey begins with a single step.”
34. “Life is too short to be a grudge-holder.”
35. “If you want to be happy, be.”
36. “Time will pass, and seasons will come and go, but the heart will remember.”
37. “Every man is in some way a prisoner, but a man who has endured is free.”
38. “He had been in this world for nearly 21 years and had learned only one thing: that it was always better to be a dreamer than a realist.”
39. “The best time to become rich is when you are young.”
40. “There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.”
On Struggles and Growth
41. “It is not our faults that make us great, it is the strength of overcoming our own faults.”
42. “No matter how much a man wishes to be free, he cannot know what to do without his chains.”
43. “A man is truly great who overcomes the hardships of his own struggles.”
44. “Take nothing for granted, or you’ll never know what you’ve had.”
45. “It is the law of life that everything, good or bad, comes in the end.”
46. “The world will always be as it is. The only thing we can change is ourselves.”
47. “The only way to succeed is to continue in the face of hardship.”
48. “We are all capable of greatness. It is a matter of finding what we are good at.”
Conclusion
Charles Dickens’ words transcend time, offering insight into the human experience and offering solace in times of struggle. His ability to capture the intricacies of life through his characters, his wit, and his observations has made him a beloved figure in literature. The 48 quotes in this article serve as a testament to the enduring power of his work. Each quote reflects the values of kindness, compassion, perseverance, and social responsibility that Dickens championed in his writing, making them as relevant today as they were in his time. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, wisdom, or simply a deeper understanding of life, Dickens’ words continue to resonate, reminding us all of the transformative power of literature.
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