Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned American poets, is known for her unique and introspective writing style. Her works, which explore themes of death, immortality, nature, and the human soul, have left an indelible mark on literature. Though she lived much of her life in relative seclusion, Dickinson’s poetry has continued to captivate readers worldwide. Her quotes, often profound and enigmatic, reflect her keen observations and deep reflections on life and existence. In this article, we present 45 famous quotes by Emily Dickinson, each revealing a facet of her brilliant mind.
1. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”
2. “Forever is composed of nows.”
3. “That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.”
4. “I dwell in possibility.”
5. “The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.”
6. “Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.”
7. “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.”
8. “The brain is wider than the sky.”
9. “The heart wants what it wants.”
10. “I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.”
11. “A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.”
12. “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
13. “There is no Frigate like a Book, to take us Lands away.”
14. “The butterfly is a common sight, yet to me, it is as if it were new.”
15. “The only ghost I know is a book.”
16. “A little Madness in the Spring is wholesome even for the King.”
17. “Success is counted sweetest by those who ne’er succeed.”
18. “Beauty crowds me till I die.”
19. “Life is over there—there—where I am not.”
20. “I felt a Funeral in my Brain, and then I heard them lift a Box and creak across my Soul.”
21. “Tell all the truth but tell it slant.”
22. “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too?”
23. “The power of the dog is the strongest of all.”
24. “I never saw a Moor, I never saw the Sea; Yet know I how the Heather looks, And what a Billow be.”
25. “One need not be a chamber to be haunted.”
26. “We never know how high we are, till we are asked to rise.”
27. “Death is nature’s way of telling you to slow down.”
28. “I have nothing to do today but keep the Sabbath.”
29. “Life is too long to wait.”
30. “The present is a door, open it and step out.”
31. “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.”
32. “I can’t stop the waves, but I can learn to surf.”
33. “The world is full of people who have never, since childhood, met an open doorway with a willing heart.”
34. “I am a lover of the wild.”
35. “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
36. “Truth is so rare, it is delightful to tell it.”
37. “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
38. “When it’s over, it’s over.”
39. “I believe in you, even if you don’t believe in yourself.”
40. “It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance.”
41. “I cannot stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.”
42. “Nature is what we see – The Hill – the Afternoon – Squirrel – Eclipse – the Bumblebee.”
43. “A life is a train, and I am the conductor.”
44. “I’m trying to understand the infinite by exploring the finite.”
45. “She was a wildflower in a sea of roses.”
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson’s profound ability to distill complex thoughts and emotions into succinct lines continues to captivate readers. Her quotes, full of wisdom, reflection, and beauty, offer insight into the human condition and the mysteries of life and death. These 45 famous quotes are only a glimpse into the breadth of Dickinson’s work, but they give a powerful sense of her poetic voice. Whether exploring the nature of hope, the pursuit of truth, or the contemplation of mortality, Dickinson’s words remain timeless, resonating with those who seek to understand the deeper aspects of existence. Her quotes continue to inspire and provoke thought, reminding us of the enduring relevance of her literary contributions.
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