WIST Quotations

Austen, Jane -- “Catharine” [Kitty] (1792)

Dave — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:25:35 +0000

But for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
“Catharine” [Kitty] (1792)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 7 [Emma] (1816)

Dave — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:40:54 +0000

I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to ‘Yes,’ she ought to say ‘No’ directly.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 7 [Emma] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 8 [Emma] (1816)

Dave — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:31:53 +0000

It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage. A man always imagines a woman to be ready for any body who asks her.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 8 [Emma] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 9 [Emma] (1816)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 9 [Emma] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 18 [Emma] (1816)

Dave — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:37:49 +0000

Nobody who has not been in the interior of a family can say what the difficulties of any individual of that family may be.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 1, ch. 18 [Emma] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 8 (ch. 26) [Mr. Knightley] (1816)

Dave — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:47:34 +0000

Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 8 (ch. 26) [Mr. Knightley] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 12 (ch. 30) [Frank Churchill] (1816)

Dave — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 19:57:28 +0000

Why did we wait for any thing? — why not seize the pleasure at once? — How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 12 (ch. 30) [Frank Churchill] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 14 (ch. 32) [Mrs. Elton] (1816)

Dave — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:38:09 +0000

Ah! there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 14 (ch. 32) [Mrs. Elton] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 15 (ch. 33) [Mrs. Elton] (1816)

Dave — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:12:46 +0000

A vast deal may be done by those who dare to act.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 2, ch. 15 (ch. 33) [Mrs. Elton] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Emma, Vol. 3, ch. 6 (ch. 42) [Mr. Weston] (1816)

Dave — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:35:34 +0000

One cannot have too large a party. A large party secures its own amusement.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Emma, Vol. 3, ch. 6 (ch. 42) [Mr. Weston] (1816)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Lady Susan, Letter 32 “Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan” (1794, pub 1871)

Dave — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:40:00 +0000

What could I do! Facts are such horrid things!

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Lady Susan, Letter 32 “Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan” (1794, pub 1871)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 4 [Mrs. Grant] (1814)

Dave — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:25:01 +0000

I pay very little regard to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 4 [Mrs. Grant] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 5 [Henry Crawford to Mary] (1814)

Dave — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:36:21 +0000

Depend upon it, you see but half. You see the evil [of matrimony], but you do not see the consolation. There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere — and those evil-minded observers, dearest Mary, who make much of a little, are more taken in and deceived than the parties themselves.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 5 [Henry Crawford to Mary] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 6 [Fanny Price] (1814)

Dave — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:15:15 +0000

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.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 6 [Fanny Price] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 7 [Mary Crawford] (1814)

Dave — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:45:18 +0000

Selfishness must always be forgiven, you know, because there is no hope of a cure.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 7 [Mary Crawford] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 9 [Edmund Bertram] (1814)

Dave — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:43:47 +0000

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.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 9 [Edmund Bertram] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 11 [Mary Crawford] (1814)

Dave — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:23:14 +0000

I speak what appears to me the general opinion; and where an opinion is general, it is usually correct.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 11 [Mary Crawford] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 36 [Fanny Price] (1814)

Dave — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:09:15 +0000

I cannot think well of a man who sports with any woman’s feelings; and there may often be a great deal more suffered than a stander-by can judge of.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 36 [Fanny Price] (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 46 (1814)

Dave — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:41:27 +0000

There is nothing like employment, active indispensable employment, for relieving sorrow. Employment, even melancholy, may dispel melancholy, and her occupations were hopeful.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 46 (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Mansfield Park, ch. 48 (1814)

Dave — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 20:35:50 +0000

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.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Mansfield Park, ch. 48 (1814)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Northanger Abbey, ch. 14 [Henry Tiney] (1817)

Dave — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:00:19 +0000

The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Northanger Abbey, ch. 14 [Henry Tiney] (1817)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Persuasion, ch. 16 (1818)

Dave — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:34:00 +0000

Anne smiled and said, “My idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is a company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what a call good company.”
“You are mistaken,” said he, gently, “that is not good company; that is the best.”

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Persuasion, ch. 16 (1818)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 1, Opening Lines (1813)

Dave — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:08:57 +0000

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 1, Opening Lines (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 10 [Darcy] (1813)

Dave — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:54:01 +0000

Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.‬

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 10 [Darcy] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 18 [Darcy and Elizabeth] (1813)

Dave — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:45:45 +0000

“What think you of books?” said he, smiling.
“Books — oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.”
“I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions.”

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 18 [Darcy and Elizabeth] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 18 [Elizabeth] (1813)

Dave — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:54:10 +0000

We are of each an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all of the eclat of a proverb.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 18 [Elizabeth] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 18 [Elizabeth] (1813)

Dave — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:40:25 +0000

It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 18 [Elizabeth] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 20 [Mrs. Bennet] (1813)

Dave — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:45:13 +0000

People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer! — But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 20 [Mrs. Bennet] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 24 [Elizabeth] (1813)

Dave — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:10:02 +0000

There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 24 [Elizabeth] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 26 [Elizabeth] (1813)

Dave — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:13:23 +0000

Importance may be sometimes purchased too dearly.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 26 [Elizabeth] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 31 (1813)

Dave — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 17:37:32 +0000

“I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,” said Darcy, “of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.”
“My fingers,” said Elizabeth, “do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women’s do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault — because I would not take the trouble of practising.”

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 31 (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 42 (1813)

Dave — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Where other powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive benefit from such as are given.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 42 (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 56 [Elizabeth and Lady Catherine] (1813)

Dave — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:34:33 +0000

“If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?”
“Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.”
“These are heavy misfortunes,” replied Elizabeth. “But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation, that she could, upon the whole, have no cause to repine.”

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 56 [Elizabeth and Lady Catherine] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 57 [Mr. Bennet] (1813)

Dave — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:43:53 +0000

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn?

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 57 [Mr. Bennet] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 58 (1813)

Dave — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:03:47 +0000

Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 58 (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Pride and Prejudice, ch. 58 [Darcy] (1813)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Pride and Prejudice, ch. 58 [Darcy] (1813)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Sense and Sensibility, ch. 1 (1811)

Dave — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:21:01 +0000

They gave themselves up wholly to their sorrow, seeking increase of wretchedness in every reflection that could afford it, and resolved against ever admitting consolation in future.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Sense and Sensibility, ch. 1 (1811)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Sense and Sensibility, ch. 13 [Elinor] (1811)

Dave — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:17:57 +0000

I am afraid that the pleasantness of an employment does not always evince its propriety.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Sense and Sensibility, ch. 13 [Elinor] (1811)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Sense and Sensibility, ch. 17 [Edward] (1811)

Dave — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:40:28 +0000

I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy, that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Sense and Sensibility, ch. 17 [Edward] (1811)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Sense and Sensibility, ch. 31 [Col. Brandon] (1811)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

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 author
Sense and Sensibility, ch. 31 [Col. Brandon] (1811)
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1796-09-18) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:37:27 +0000

What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1796-09-18) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1798-10-27) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Tue, 07 May 2024 16:04:05 +0000

Next week shall begin my operations on my hat, on which you know my principal hopes of happiness depend.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1798-10-27) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1798-12-24) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:40:16 +0000

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 author
Letter (1798-12-24) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1798-12-24) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:17:47 +0000

You deserve a longer letter than this; but it is my unhappy fate seldom to treat people so well as they deserve.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1798-12-24) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1799-01-21) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:25:18 +0000

I had a very pleasant evening, however, though you will probably find out that there was no particular reason for it; but I do not think it worth while to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1799-01-21) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1799-06-19) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:29:23 +0000

I can recollect nothing more to say at present; perhaps breakfast may assist my ideas.
I was deceived — my breakfast supplied only two ideas — that the rolls were good and the butter bad.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1799-06-19) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1800-11-20) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:46:38 +0000

I believe I drank too much wine last night at Hurstbourne; I know not how else to account for the shaking of my hand today. You will kindly make allowance therefore for any indistinctness of writing, by attributing it to this venial error.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1800-11-20) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1801-05-21) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:09:54 +0000

We are to have a tiny party here tonight. I hate tiny parties, they force one into constant exertion.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1801-05-21) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1808-06-15) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:10:45 +0000

You know how interesting the purchase of a sponge-cake is to me.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1808-06-15) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

First recorded use of the term "sponge-cake" in English.

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1811-04-18) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:44:43 +0000

I am sorry to tell you that I am getting very extravagant, and spending all my money, and, what is worse for you, I have been spending yours too.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1811-04-18) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1811-04-25) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:56:38 +0000

I give you joy of our new nephew, and hope if he ever comes to be hanged it will not be till we are too old to care about it.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1811-04-25) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1811-05-31) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:22:10 +0000

I will not say that your mulberry-trees are dead, but I am afraid they are not alive.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1811-05-31) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1813-11-06) to Cassandra Austen

Dave — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 20:06:42 +0000

By the bye, as I must leave off being young, I find many douceurs [sweets] in being a sort of chaperon, for I am put on the sofa near the fire and can drink as much wine as I like.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1813-11-06) to Cassandra Austen
(Source)

Jane was 38 at the time.

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1814-09-28) to Anna Austen

Dave — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 21:41:50 +0000

The Webbs are really gone! When I saw the waggons at the door, and thought of all the trouble they must have in moving, I began to reproach myself for not having liked them better, but since the waggons have disappeared my conscience has been closed again, and I am excessively glad they are gone.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1814-09-28) to Anna Austen
(Source)

Austen, Jane -- Letter (1817-02-20) to Fanny Austen-Knight

Dave — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:19:29 +0000

I would recommend to her and Mr. D. the simple regimen of separate rooms.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Letter (1817-02-20) to Fanny Austen-Knight
(Source)

On Fanny's aunt, Mrs. Sophia Deedes, having birthed an eighteenth child.

Austen, Jane -- Prayer 3 “Another Day Now Gone”

Dave — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:14:43 +0000

Incline us oh God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with that charity which we would desire from them ourselves.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) English author
Prayer 3 “Another Day Now Gone”
(Source)

On e of three surviving prayers Austen wrote. More discussion: Exploring Jane Austen’s Prayers | Jane Austen's World.