Ah! there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Emma (1815)
Quotations by:
Austen, Jane
Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Emma (1815)
Why not seize the pleasure at once? How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Emma, ch. 30
One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Emma, ch. 9 (1816)
Of various admirals I could tell you a great deal: of them and their flags, and the gradation of their pay, and their bickerings and jealousies. But, in general, I can assure you that they are all passed over, and all very ill used. Certainly, my home at my uncle’s brought me acquainted with a circle of admirals. Of Rears and Vices I saw enough. Now, do not be suspecting me of a pun, I entreat.
It will, I believe, be everywhere found, that as the clergy are, or are not what they ought to be, so are the rest of the nation.
I speak what appears to me the general opinion; and where an opinion is general, it is usually correct.
She was of course only too good for him; but as nobody minds having what is too good for them, he was very steadily earnest in the pursuit of the blessing.
My idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.
Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.‬
Those who do not complain are never pitied.
I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 58 (1813)
Where so many hours have been spent in convincing myself that I am right, is there not some reason to fear I may be wrong?
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Sense and Sensability, ch. 31 (1811)
What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Letter (18 Sep 1796)
I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) English novelist
Letter to her sister Cassandra (24 Dec 1798)