The quotations of

William Makepeace Thackeray

British novelist

1811–1863

19 quotes, most often on Love, Comedy and Writing.

Bravery never goes out of fashion.
Four Georges (1860-1861), “George II”.
- Courage
Stupid people, people who do not know how to laugh, are always pompous and self-conceited.
“Mr. Brown’s Letters to His Nephew: On Love, Marriage, Men and Women”, p. 109.
- Laughter
It is best to love wisely, no doubt; but to love foolishly is better than not to be able to love at all. Some of us can’t: and are proud of our impotence, too.
The History of Pendennis (1848-1850), Ch. 6.
- Love
He who meanly admires mean things is a Snob.
The Book of Snobs (1848), Ch. 2: “The Snob Royal”
- Character
He that has ears to hear, let him stuff them with cotton.
The Virginians (1857-1859), Ch. 38.
- Comedy
As the gambler said of his dice, to love and win is the best thing, to love and lose is the next best.
The History of Pendennis (1848-1850), Ch. 40.
- Love
Good humour may be said to be one of the very best articles of dress one can wear in society.
“Mr. Brown’s Letters to his Nephew: On Tailoring — And Toilettes in General”, p. 12.
- Humor
I never know whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses.
The Virginians (1857-1859), Ch. 56.
- Maturity
There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen to write.
The History of Henry Esmond (1852), Bk. II, Ch. 1.
- Thinking
- Writing
If a secret history of books could be written, and the author’s private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader!
The History of Pendennis (1848-1850), Ch. 42.
- Reading
- Writing
“Revenge may be wicked, but it’s natural,” answered Miss Rebecca. “I’m no angel.”
Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter IIIn context
- Good & Evil
The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion; and so let all young persons take their choice.
Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter IIIn context
- Happiness
- Laughter
I am tempted to think that to be despised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman.
Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter XIIIn context
- Women
Some cynical Frenchman has said that there are two parties to a love-transaction: the one who loves and the other who condescends to be so treated.
Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter XIIIIn context
- Love
If people only made prudent marriages, what a stop to population there would be!
Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter XVIIn context
- Comedy
- Marriage

Most quoted

People A to Z

C. S. Lewis1898–1963151 quotes

Mark Twain1835–1910151 quotes

Benjamin Franklin1706–179098 quotes

Martin Luther King Jr.1929–196884 quotes

Albert Einstein1879–195595 quotes

Dave Barryborn 1947100 quotes