Jane Welsh Carlyle Quotes

Scottish - Writer January 14, 1801 - April 21, 1866

There is nothing like a good bit of pain for taking the conceit out of one.

Jane Welsh Carlyle

I have lived so long among people who do not understand me, been so long accustomed to refrain and disguise myself for fear of being laughed at, that I have grown as difficult to come at as a snail in a shell; and what is worse, I cannot come out of my shell when I wish it.

Jane Welsh Carlyle

They call me 'sweet,' and 'gentle'; and some of the men go the length of calling me 'endearing,' and I laugh in my sleeve and think, 'Oh, Lord! If you but knew what a brimstone of a creature I am behind all this beautiful amiability!'

Jane Welsh Carlyle

Never does one feel oneself so utterly helpless as in trying to speak comfort for great bereavement. I will not try it. Time is the only comforter for the loss of a mother.

Jane Welsh Carlyle

Does not a man physically tremble under the mere look of a wild beast or fellow-man that is stronger than himself? Does not a woman redden all over when she feels her lover's eyes on her? How then should one doubt the mysterious power of one individual over another?

Jane Welsh Carlyle

The surest way to get a thing in this life is to be prepared for doing without it, to the exclusion even of hope.

Jane Welsh Carlyle

One feels as if it could never, never be less. And yet all griefs, when there is no bitterness in them, are soothed down by time.

Jane Welsh Carlyle

Use the noble gifts which God has given you!

Jane Welsh Carlyle

Did not work last night so I posted it on the 12th