Table of Contents
Introduction
Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) is one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century. She spent most of her life in seclusion and that’s why it was not until after her death in 1886 that Dickinson’s poetic legacy began to receive the recognition it deserved.
Though her poetry was largely unknown during her lifetime, there are around 1,800 poems attributed to Emily Dickinson that have gained praise for their originality, vivid imagery, innovative use of language, and unconventional punctuation.
But perhaps what sets Emily Dickinson’s writings apart is her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its complexity. Whether writing about love, death, nature, or spirituality, she knew how to distill universal truths into short lines.
So, in this blog post, I’ve shared 62 Emily Dickinson quotes about love, life, death, hope, nature & friendship while explaining the meanings behind some of them. Let’s dive in…
10 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Life
To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.
Emily Dickinson
Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.
Emily Dickinson
I argue thee that love is life. And life hath immortality.
Emily Dickinson
If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, our own problems, and forget that there are people out there who are going through even tougher times than we are.
But this Emily Dickinson quote about life is a beautiful reminder that even if we can’t solve all the world’s problems, we can still make a difference in someone’s life, at the very least.
Think about it: if you could make just one person’s day a little brighter, a little easier, a little happier, wouldn’t that be worth it? Of course, it would.
And that’s exactly what these words by Emily Dickinson are getting at – our lives have meaning when we use them to help others. When we make a difference in someone’s life, even in a small way, we fulfill our purpose in life.
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It might be lonelier
Emily Dickinson
Without the Loneliness.
We turn not older with years but newer every day.
Emily Dickinson
If you take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves. You can gain more control over your life by paying closer attention to the little things.
Emily Dickinson
That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
All too often, get caught up in the daily grind, but remember that time does not spare anyone.
Each passing moment is a reminder that we will never have this exact experience again. The people we love, the moments we cherish, and the memories we make are all unique and irreplaceable.
It is only through acknowledging the transience of life that we can confront our own mortality. It may seem morbid, but it’s a necessary step in living a fulfilling life.
Accepting that life is finite pushes us to make the most of the time we have, as this Emily Dickinson famous quote suggests. It inspires us to pursue our dreams, take risks, and live in the moment. In conclusion, life is a precious gift that should be cherished as much as possible.
One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.
Emily Dickinson
To be alive is power; existence in itself; without a further function; omnipotence.
Emily Dickinson
10 Emily Dickinson Love Quotes
Till I loved I never lived.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Without love, life can feel dull and unfulfilling. We may go through the motions of our daily routine, but we’re not really living. We’re simply existing.
It’s only when we experience love that we begin to feel truly alive, as this love quote by Emily Dickinson indicates. We start to see the world in a different light, and we discover that there’s more to life than just going through the motions.
Love is what gives life meaning. It’s what makes all of the struggles and challenges worthwhile.
It’s what makes us want to be better people and to make the most of the time we have. Without love, we’re just passing time, waiting for something to happen.
Forever is composed of nows.
Emily Dickinson
Saying nothing… sometimes says the most.
Emily Dickinson
Hold dear to your parents for it is a scary and confusing world without them.
Emily Dickinson
Love is anterior to life, posterior to death, initial of creation, and the exponent of breath.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Let us unpack this quote from Emily Dickinson, shall we? “Love is anterior to life.” This phrase essentially means that love existed before we were born, before we took our first breath before we even had the capacity to feel it. It is a force that transcends time and space.
“Posterior to death.” Love also outlasts death. When our bodies return to the earth, when our souls ascend to the heavens, love remains. It is a legacy we leave behind, a memory that lingers in the hearts of those who loved us. Love transcends the physical realm and lives on in the spiritual realm.
“Initial of creation.” Love is also the beginning of all things. It is the spark that ignites the fire of creation, the force that drives the universe forward.
“And the exponent of breath.” Finally, it is the power that animates us, the force that gives us life. Love is the reason why we breathe. It is the energy that propels us forward, that inspires us to create, dream, and love, as this Emily Dickinson saying shows.
That love is all there is, Is all we know of love.
Emily Dickinson
For love is immortality.
Emily Dickinson
Morning without you is a dwindled dawn.
Emily Dickinson
The Heart wants what it wants – or else it does not care.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
The heart is a complex and mysterious entity, one that can lead us down paths of great joy or immense pain. It is the source of our passions, our loves, and our fears. It is the center of our emotions, the place where we feel the most alive.
And yet, it is also the place where we feel the most vulnerable, for it is here that we expose our true selves to the world.
But what happens when our heart’s desires conflict with our reason or our sense of morality? This is where the quote becomes both liberating and terrifying, implying that we have little control over our desires.
The heart wants what it wants as this Emily Dickinson short quote suggests, and it’s up to us to listen to it. It requires us to take responsibility for our desires and our actions. It is a choice that ultimately defines who we are and what we become.
I think of love, and you, and my heart grows full and warm, and my breath stands still… I can feel a sunshine stealing into my soul and making it all summer, and every thorn, a rose.
Emily Dickinson
7 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Death
Dying is a wild night and a new road.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Emily Dickinson’s poetry often delves into themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the enigmatic nature of existence. “Dying” is not merely the end of life but a transformative journey and “wild night.” here is linked with nighttime, which is often associated with mystery and the unknown.
In essence, this Emily Dickinson death quote suggests that the process of dying is not just a passive event but one filled with activity and transition. It’s a departure from the familiar life into the uncharted territories of what lies beyond.
The phrase “new road,” implies that death is not an endpoint but a gateway to something else—a realm or state beyond our comprehension. This hints at the idea that death leads to a journey, albeit one that diverges from our earthly experience.
Now, we can also interpret Dickinson’s perspective on death through the lens of her broader philosophy. For her, death was not the finality that it might seem on the surface but rather a transition into a world of higher consciousness or existence. So, this Dickinson quote aligns with her fascination with the metaphysical and her belief in the existence of a divine presence beyond the material world.
Also Read: 72 Sylvia Plath Quotes on Life, Love, Loneliness, Feminism, Death & Writing
I could not stop for death and he did not stop for me.
Emily Dickinson
We never know we go when we are going – We jest and shut the Door-Fate-following-behind us bolts it – And we accost no more.
Emily Dickinson
A death-blow is a life-blow to some Who, till they died, did not alive become; Who, had they lived, had died, but when They died, vitality begun.
Emily Dickinson
Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
To grasp the full weight of this quote about death by Emily Dickinson, it’s important to delve into her unique philosophical perspective, that is often a blend of transcendentalism, romanticism, and a deep engagement with the mysteries of existence.
In her poems, Dickinson often grapples with the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, but she also finds solace in the idea that love transcends these earthly limitations.
So, by saying “Unable are the loved to die,” she affirms love as a form of immortality, as it allows us to transcend the confines of time and space and remain connected to those who have passed away.
And more importantly, the immortality of love doesn’t lie in the preservation of the physical body but in the lasting impact, we have on each other’s lives. Through our connections with others, we leave an indelible mark on the world, shaping the course of history and influencing the lives of future generations.
Afraid? Of whom am I afraid? Not death. For who is he?
Emily Dickinson
My life closed twice before its close.
Emily Dickinson
7 Emily Dickinson Hope Quotes
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
When we dwell in possibility, we embrace the unknown, and we open ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
It’s a mindset that challenges us to push beyond our limitations and explore the boundaries of what is possible.
In many ways, dwelling in possibility is a form of courage. It’s the willingness to take risks, venture into the unknown, and trust in our own abilities to navigate unfamiliar territory. It’s about letting go of our fears and allowing ourselves to be guided by our curiosities.
All in all, by living in possibility, as this Emily Dickinson quote about hope suggests, we become architects of our own fates, and we shape the world around us in ways we never imagined.
Also Read: 58 Edgar Allan Poe quotes on Life, Love, Insanity, Death, Loneliness, Beauty & Dreams
A great hope fell You heard no noise The ruin was within.
Emily Dickinson
I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.
Emily Dickinson
Hope is a strange invention – A Patent of the Heart – In unremitting action Yet never wearing out.
Emily Dickinson
Hope is the thing with feathers
Emily Dickinson
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.
Brief Analysis
Essentially, the portrayal of hope as a bird with feathers in this Emily Dickinson hope quote symbolizes its delicate yet resilient nature. In linking hope to a bird, Dickinson suggests that hope possesses a certain lightness of being, enabling it to take flight within the depths of the soul, transcending the burdens of earthly existence.
Now, “perching in the soul” suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness. Unlike a temporary emotion or passing thought, hope finds a permanent dwelling within the depths of our being. It becomes an intrinsic part of us and serves as a source of comfort and solace in times of uncertainty and adversity.
The imagery of the bird singing “the tune without the words” shows that hope communicates its message through a universal melody that transcends linguistic barriers. It speaks to the soul in a language of its own, offering reassurance and encouragement even when words fail.
And finally, the phrase “And never stops at all” shows that hope persists and its song echoes through the corridors of the soul. It is a lifelong companion that fills our moment with the promise of possibility and renewal, as this Emily Dickinson feather quote portrays it.
I have been bent and broken, but -I hope- into a better shape.
Emily Dickinson
There is always one thing to be grateful for – that one is one’s self and not somebody else.
Emily Dickinson
8 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Nature
Beauty is not caused. It is.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Beauty is a force of nature, an ethereal essence that exists independent of any external influence. Beauty can be felt, but not necessarily seen, heard, or touched. It’s not something that can be created, manipulated, or controlled. It simply is.
But beauty is not just a physical quality. It can also be found in the intangible elements of life, such as love, kindness, and compassion.
Therefore, beauty simply “is”, naturally, and not caused by exterm=fact factors, as this Emily Dickinson quote about nature puts it.
And perhaps the most profound aspect of beauty is its ability to evoke emotion. It can inspire us to create, love, hope, and dream. It is a reminder that we are part of something greater than ourselves and that we are all connected in some mysterious way.
How strange that nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude!
Emily Dickinson
To see the Summer Sky Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie— True Poems flee—
Emily Dickinson
The career of flowers differs from ours only inaudibleness.
Emily Dickinson
Finite to fail, but infinite to venture.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
We all experience failure at some point in our lives, and it can be a crushing blow to our confidence.
But remember that failure is finite, it has an end, and it doesn’t define who we are. On the other hand, venturing into the unknown is infinite, it has no limits.
When we dare to venture out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to a world of opportunities and experiences that we would never have encountered otherwise.
After all, it is in the failures that we learn, grow, and ultimately succeed.
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A wounded deer leaps the highest.
Emily Dickinson
Bring me the sunset in a cup.
Emily Dickinson
Nature is a haunted house-but
Emily Dickinson
Art-is a house that tries to be haunted.
6 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Friendship
The Soul selects her own Society.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Our soul, our truest self, has an innate ability to recognize those who align with our values, beliefs, and goals. It seeks out those who nourish it, those who provide it with the love, support, and understanding it needs to thrive.
When we allow our soul to select its own society, we give ourselves the gift of authentic connections, as this Emily Dickinson quote about friendship suggests.
We build relationships that are built on mutual respect, trust, and love. We create a community that supports us in our endeavors, celebrates our successes, and lifts us up when we fall.
The soul, therefore, serves as our guide, our compass, and our guiding light in a world that can be chaotic. It reminds us to listen to our inner voice, trust our instincts, and seek out those who help us grow, learn, and thrive.
The friend anguish reveals is the slowest forgot.
Emily Dickinson
A shady friend for torrid days Is easier to find Than one of higher temperature For frigid hour of mind.
Emily Dickinson
My friends are my estate.
Emily Dickinson
The dearest ones of time, the strongest friends of the soul – BOOKS.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Books offer us a unique perspective on life. They provide us with a glimpse into the minds of some of the greatest thinkers of all time.
They give us a sense of belonging and help us understand the world around us. They are filled with wisdom, waiting to be explored.
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions, books allow us to escape the chaos of the outside world and retreat into a world of our own making, as this quote about books by Emily Dickinson says.
They give us the space we need to reflect, think deeply, and connect with our own thoughts and emotions. In other words, a life without books is simply incomplete.
Fortune befriends the bold.
Emily Dickinson
10 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Writing, Poetry, & Books
But a Book is only the Heart’s Portrait – every Page a Pulse.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
Every page of a book is a pulse, a heartbeat that reverberates with the rhythm of the author’s soul. We feel their joy, pain, and love as we turn each page, allowing the book to touch our hearts and move us in ways that only literature can.
This quote of Emily Dickinson reminds us that books are not just static objects; they have a life of their own. They are the embodiment of the writer’s heart, and every word is a testament to their soul. A book can make us laugh, cry, think, and feel, and in doing so, it becomes a part of us.
So treat books with respect and allow yourself to be carried away by the writer’s pulse. Let the words flow through you, and feel the author’s heartbeat as it becomes one of your own.
Because a book is not just a collection of pages, it is a connection between two souls – the writer and the reader.
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I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.
Emily Dickinson
Write me of hope and love, and hearts that endured.
Emily Dickinson
If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.
Emily Dickinson
The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
At its core, this Emily Dickinson quote about soul seems to suggest that the soul should remain open and receptive, like a door left slightly ajar, allowing the possibility of ecstatic experiences to enter.
In simple words, she implies that it’s not enough to simply exist or go through the motions of life. Instead, she suggests that we should actively engage with the world around us, remaining receptive to the beauty, wonder, and mystery that it has to offer.
But why “stand ajar”? The imagery of a slightly open door suggests a delicate balance between being open to experiences and maintaining a sense of boundaries or discernment.
The soul should not be so wide open that it becomes overwhelmed or unable to distinguish between what is truly meaningful and what is merely fleeting or superficial. Instead, it should be open enough to invite in those experiences that resonate deeply with our innermost selves, while still retaining a sense of self-awareness and autonomy.
If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.
Emily Dickinson
A precious, mouldering pleasure ‘t is, to meet an antique book, In just the dress his century wore; A privilege I think.
Emily Dickinson
To travel far, there is no better ship than a book.
Emily Dickinson
Truth is so rare, it is delightful to tell it.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
The idea of truth being a rarity is something that we can all relate to. We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been misled, intentionally or not. We’ve all had moments when we’ve been unsure of whether we can trust what someone is telling us.
But when we do encounter truth, it’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s a feeling of relief, of knowing that we can finally rely on something that is solid and dependable.
So why is it that truth is so rare? Perhaps it’s because it’s often easier to tell a lie than to face the consequences of telling the truth. Maybe it’s because people are afraid of being vulnerable and exposing themselves to others.
But the truth is that without truth, we cannot build meaningful relationships or make informed decisions. Without truth, we cannot create a just and fair society. Without truth, we cannot even begin to understand ourselves and the world around us.
A Word is Dead
A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.I say it just
Emily Dickinson
Begins to live
That day.
4 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Feminism
I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.
Emily Dickinson
Brief Analysis
This famous Emily Dickinson lantern quote talks about the inherent human quest for self-understanding and identity. Dickinson suggests that the journey to self-discovery requires illumination and introspection, symbolized by the lanterns.
The imagery of the lanterns evokes a sense of guidance and enlightenment amidst the darkness of uncertainty and existential questioning. Her emphasis on the act of searching implies a sense of urgency and determination in the pursuit of self-awareness.
Now, the word “out” implies a journey into the unknown, a departure from the familiar confines of the self in search of something deeper and more profound.
In the context of Dickinson’s broader philosophical themes, this quote can be interpreted as an exploration of the tension between the inner and outer self, and the existential longing for meaning and connection. Dickinson’s poetry often grapples with the complexities of human existence, and this quote is no exception.
We slowly drove – He knew no haste
Emily Dickinson
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility
They shut me up in Prose–
Emily Dickinson
As when a little Girl
They put me in the Closet–
Because they liked me “still
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