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Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) was an English novelist known for her witty and insightful social commentary on English society, particularly the lives of the landed gentry.
Even though Austen wrote during a time when women’s voices were often silenced, her wit and insightful portrayal of characters made her one of the greatest writers in English literature.
Her novels portray the complexities of love and marriage, the role of women in society, and the tension between social class and personal values.
So, in this blog post, I’ve shared 65 Jane Austen quotes on love, books, life, happiness, reading, friendship & family along with an explanation of a few of them. Let’s dive in…
13 Jane Austen Love Quotes
We are all fools in love.
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My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
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To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.
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If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.
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Brief Analysis
Have you ever tried to describe the colors of a sunset? It’s quite hard to capture that magical sight in words. Similarly, when our love for someone is really, really deep, words just don’t cut it.
We find ourselves in a territory where emotions are so vast that they silence us. Instead of talking all the time about how much we love someone, we just feel it deep down inside.
It’s about experiencing love in a way that goes beyond words. We’re too busy feeling all those warm emotions, that talking about it seems like it would just break the spell.
In essence, this Jane Austen saying talks about the beauty of silent understanding, the kind of connection that doesn’t need words to thrive. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones we share in quiet companionship.
Also Read: 75 Brene Brown Quotes on Vulnerability, Courage, Love, Shame, Connection & Change
Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing; but I have never been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall.
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I am determined that only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony.
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To love is to burn, to be on fire.
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I do think that men can forget a lost love quickly. I know that women would find it much harder.
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Brief Analysis
This quote by Jane Austen highlights that historically, men have been encouraged to suppress their emotions. This societal pressure can sometimes lead men to hide their feelings, pushing aside the pain of heartbreak and focusing on moving forward.
On the other hand, women have traditionally been encouraged to be more emotionally expressive. When it comes to matters of love and relationships, women often invest deeply in emotional attachments.
So, when a relationship ends, they may find it harder to let go of the memories and emotions associated with that lost love. They are more likely to talk openly about their feelings, which can hinder the healing process.
In short, this Jane Austen quote on love explores the complex interplay of gender and societal expectations in matters of love and loss. It encourages us to consider how cultural norms and gender roles influence our perceptions of romantic relationships.
Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another.
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If I could know his heart, everything would become easy.
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Beware how you give your heart.
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Brief Analysis
You see, our hearts aren’t just vessels pumping blood; they’re the very essence of our emotions, hopes, and dreams. So, when we offer someone our heart, we’re granting them access to our innermost sanctum. It’s an intimate act of trust.
But not everyone is worthy of that trust. This short Jane Austen quote urges us to be discerning, to guard our hearts against those who may not cherish them as they deserve.
Of course, while love can be a source of immense joy, it also carries the risk of pain and disappointment. Thus, we should set boundaries to protect our hearts from unnecessary pain and heartache.
To sum it up, we should protect our emotional well-being while remaining open to the transformative power of love. It encourages us to approach love with a healthy balance of optimism and caution.
No man is offended by another man’s admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment.
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14 Jane Austen Quotes About Life
Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.
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Brief Analysis
This Jane Austen quote speaks about resilience and being confident in what we believe. It’s about standing firm in what we think or feel, even when faced with opposition.
When someone laughs at our opinion, it’s like they’re trying to dismiss it as unimportant. But we should assert that our beliefs are valid and worthy of respect, regardless of others’ reactions.
Just because someone finds our opinion amusing doesn’t mean it’s any less valid. In fact, sometimes laughter can be a way for others to avoid engaging with our ideas seriously.
Ultimately, this quote about life encourages us to not let others’ reactions shake our convictions. We should consider our individuality and the importance of staying true to our beliefs.
There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for themselves.
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There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.
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It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.
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Indulge your imagination in every possible flight.
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Brief Analysis
Sometimes in life, we’re told to be practical or to stay grounded in what we know. But this quote is like giving ourselves the green light to explore the endless realms of creativity.
If we only ever stuck to what we already knew, we’d miss out on so much. But by indulging our imagination, we open ourselves up to new ideas. We might find solutions to problems we never thought we could solve.
In Austen’s world, imagination is a powerful tool for self-expression. Through the act of indulging our imagination, we become more creative and more attuned to the beauty and complexity of life.
So, imagination is a precious gift, one that should be nurtured and celebrated. Through imagination, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more innovative and inspiring society.
There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.
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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
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Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.
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Brief Analysis
The phrase “Know your own happiness,” invites us into a journey of self-discovery. It’s about delving into the depths of our souls and understanding what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.
Sometimes, things don’t happen as quickly as we’d like them to. Instead of just sitting around impatiently, we should have an optimistic outlook that things will eventually settle down, even if it takes a bit of time.
This famous Jane Austen saying tells us to turn that waiting into hope, and keep believing that something awesome is just around the corner. It’s the secret recipe for finding joy and staying optimistic.
At its core, this timeless quote by Jane Austen reminds us to embrace the journey of self-discovery while keeping hope alive. So that we can illuminate our path toward a life filled with purpose, contentment, and boundless optimism.
Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings.
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A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of
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Those who do not complain are never pitied.
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None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.
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Brief Analysis
We humans don’t really like when things are too smooth sailing all the time. No doubt, peace and tranquility are nice once in a while, they’re not really what make us feel alive and fulfilled as this quote by Jane Austen on life indicates.
We truly grow when we’re faced with challenges. These hurdles push us, they test us, and yeah, sometimes they even scare us. But they also give us opportunities to learn and to become stronger versions of ourselves.
Have you ever thought that life without any challenges would be pretty dull, wouldn’t it? It’s the twists and turns of life that make it interesting.
In conclusion, we should experience the full spectrum of what life has to offer, even if that means facing challenges along the way. Because in the end, it’s those challenges that mold us into the adaptable individuals we’re meant to be.
Nobody minds having what is too good for them.
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13 Jane Austen Quotes About Books
But for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.
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Brief Analysis
You must have noticed that when a book is really good, we wish it to be longer. When we’re reading a book that’s just so engaging, so well-written, we never want it to finish.
It’s a reminder that great books have the power to transport us to another world. They make us feel things deeply, and when they’re over, it’s like coming back to reality after a fantastic dream.
Well-written books make readers forge deep connections with the characters. They yearn for more pages to turn, more chapters to explore, more moments to savor.
In conclusion, this Jane Austen book quote reminds us of the profound impact a well-written book can have on our hearts and minds. When we find ourselves wishing a book were longer, it’s a tribute to the author’s ability to immerse us in their world.
Also Read: 62 Emily Dickinson Quotes About Love, Life, Death, Hope, Nature & Friendship (Explained)
I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love.
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A person, who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.
Jane Austen
With a book he was regardless of time.
Jane Austen
How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
We tend to get bored of things pretty quickly. See, unlike other stuff that we might get tired of easily, books have this magical quality that keeps us hooked for much longer.
This Jane Austen quote really highlights that books are like a friend that never gets old, always there to entertain and enlighten us. Unlike other activities or interests that might lose their charm quickly, books have a unique staying power.
Books hold a special place in our lives. They’re not just another passing fancy; they’re a constant source of joy and fascination.
In short, she’s inviting us to reflect on the enduring appeal of literature. In a world filled with fleeting distractions, books stand as steadfast companions, always there for us whenever we need them.
I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman’s inconstancy. Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman’s fickleness. But perhaps you will say, these were all written by men.
Jane Austen
But he recommended the books which charmed her leisure hours, he encouraged her taste, and corrected her judgment; he made reading useful by talking to her of what she read, and heightened its attraction by judicious praise.
Jane Austen
I should infinitely prefer a book.
Jane Austen
I go too long without picking up a good book, I feel like I’ve done nothing useful with my life.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
See, we humans crave stories. We love diving into worlds where anything is possible, meeting characters who feel like old friends, and thinking about big ideas.
When we go too long without reading, it’s like hitting pause on our brains. We miss out on chances to learn, grow, and understand more about ourselves and the world around us.
Reading is a window to understanding, empathy, and enlightenment. It’s through books that we explore the complexities of the human experience, gaining insights that enrich our lives.
Consequently, this short quote by Jane Austen highlights the profound impact that literature has on our souls, reminding us of its power to educate, and inspire. In a world filled with distractions, we should take the time to immerse ourselves in a good book for our personal growth.
Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything.
Jane Austen
“…I will not allow books to prove any thing.” “But how shall we prove any thing?” “We never shall.”
Jane Austen
If people like to read their books, it is all very well, but to be at so much trouble in filling great volumes, which, as I used to think, nobody would willingly ever look into, to be labouring only for the torment of little boys and girls, always struck me as a hard fate.
Jane Austen
Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life in reading it.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
Have you ever encountered a book that felt like it was written just for you? Jane Austen expresses the intense joy and satisfaction we feel when we’re completely absorbed in a book’s world.
It’s a feeling many of us can relate to – that sense of being transported to another place and time, where the worries of the world fade away.
Books have the ability to educate, inspire, and comfort us. They can challenge our beliefs, broaden our horizons, and offer solace during difficult times.
In short, this book quote by Jane Austen expresses her desire to spend her whole life reading a particular book. It’s a reminder that amidst life’s chaos, there’s always refuge to be found within the pages of a good book.
4 Jane Austen Quotes on Friendship
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
When love doesn’t go the way we hoped, it’s like our hearts take a hit, right? It hurts, plain and simple.
But then, friendship is a lighthouse guiding us to safety. Our friends are like beacons of light in our darkest moments. They’re the ones who mend our broken pieces with their love and support.
We all would agree that friendship is a constant source of support and joy in our lives. Our friends are the ones who show us that even though love may have let us down, there’s still so much beauty and joy to be found in life.
So, this saying by Jane Austen portrays that friendship is the best medicine for a broken heart. Friends have incredible power to heal us with their kindness, their laughter, and their unwavering support.
There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.
Jane Austen
My idea of good company…is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.
Jane Austen
My attachments are always excessively strong.
Jane Austen
5 Jane Austen Quotes About Happiness
I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
This happiness quote is a gentle reminder that while we all chase the same dream of happiness, the path we take to get there is uniquely our own. At our core, we all seek happiness. It’s a basic human longing.
But our visions of what happiness looks like can be as different. What fills one person with joy might leave another totally cold.
So, this Jane Austen quote about happiness tells us to embrace our individuality in our pursuit of happiness. It’s okay to chase our version of happiness, even if it looks different from everyone else’s.
To conclude, these words serve to highlight that the journey to happiness is deeply personal and beautifully diverse. It’s a celebration of our differences. As we navigate our unique paths, we share together a tapestry of experiences that is rich, colorful, and uniquely our own.
Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.
Jane Austen
She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet.
Jane Austen
I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.
Jane Austen
It’s such a happiness when good people get together.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
You see, when we surround ourselves with positive influences, it’s like adding sunshine to our lives. We feel understood, supported, and valued for who we truly are.
This Jane Austen quote hints at the inherent beauty in human connection. In a world where conflicts are common, the sight of good-hearted people uniting is like a beacon of hope. It reminds us that despite our differences, we are capable of finding common ground and building meaningful relationships.
The word “together” emphasizes the power of collective unity. When we join forces with others who share our values and aspirations, we become stronger, more resilient individuals.
Consequently, we should celebrate the enduring power of human connection to enrich our lives. It’s a sentiment that reminds us of the profound pleasures of companionship and community.
6 Jane Austen Quotes About Reading
A fondness for reading, which, properly directed, must be an education in.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
The phrase “properly directed” suggests being mindful of what we read. It’s not just about devouring any book we come across; it’s about choosing the ones that enrich our minds and souls.
We should direct our fondness for reading towards the right kind of books. So that, we can nurture our minds and spirits, cultivating wisdom and insight with each page turned as these words by Jane Austen indicate.
This reading quote also highlights the transformative power of literature. Reading is a process of learning about the world, about different cultures and perspectives, about the complexities of human nature.
In essence, Jane Austen is reminding us that reading is an education in empathy, in critical thinking, in creativity. It’s a lifelong pursuit that enriches our lives in countless ways. So, we should be very selective about what we read.
It is very well worthwhile to be tormented for two or three years of one’s life, for the sake of being able to read all the rest of it.
Jane Austen
And to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.
Jane Austen
I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
Jane Austen
The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
You see, novels aren’t just stories; they’re windows into different worlds, perspectives, and emotions. They allow us to experience lives and feelings beyond our own. When we immerse ourselves in a good novel, we expand our horizons.
A good novel has the power to transport us to different times and places, introduce us to fascinating characters, and challenge our beliefs and perceptions. It’s a journey of discovery and growth.
Jane Austen believes that those who couldn’t appreciate the beauty of a good novel were missing out on something fundamental to the human experience.
To sum it up, these Jane Austen words about reading urge us to recognize the profound impact that literature can have on our lives. By engaging with novels, we open ourselves up to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences.
Also Read: 34 Best Colleen Hoover Quotes on Life & Love
I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.
Jane Austen
5 Jane Austen Quotes About Marriage
The most incomprehensible thing in the world to a man, is a woman who rejects his offer of marriage!
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
For some women, rejecting a marriage proposal might seem like a straightforward decision. But from the man’s point of view, this rejection can be utterly confounding.
So, when a woman says “no,” it can feel like a rejection not just of the proposal, but of everything he’s brought to the table: his love, his sincerity, his hopes for the future.
It’s just that sometimes, what makes perfect sense to one person can seem totally baffling to another. And when it comes to matters of the heart, those differences in perspective can hurt feelings.
In short, this saying by Jane Austen about marriage is a reminder that love, despite its joys, can also be a source of confusion and uncertainty. But that’s also what makes it so fascinating, don’t you think?
A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.
Jane Austen
I would rather have young people settle on a small income at once, and have to struggle with a few difficulties together, than be involved in a long engagement.
Jane Austen
A man would always wish to give a woman a better home than the one he takes her from; and he who can do it, where there is no doubt of her regard, must, I think, be the happiest of mortals.
Jane Austen
Marriage is indeed a maneuvering business.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
In a nutshell, Jane Austen is saying that getting married isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It needs to make smart moves and think ahead.
We should consider marriage more than just a romantic notion. It’s a nuanced journey filled with twists and turns.
“maneuvering” in marriage isn’t about playing tricks. It’s about understanding what’s important to us and making choices that make sense for our life.
In conclusion, this Jane Austen quote invites us to see marriage as a complex journey requiring careful navigation. By approaching marriage with wisdom, empathy, and perseverance, we can navigate through its challenges and emerge more deeply connected with our partner.
5 Jane Austen Quotes About Family
Without family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
Have you ever thought about being all alone in the big wide world, with no family to lean on? It’s like being stuck outside on a freezing cold night, shivering without a warm jacket.
You see, when we’re surrounded by our loved ones, we feel safe, secure, and protected from the harsh realities of the world. We get strength from their presence.
But without familial support, we’re exposed to the biting winds of loneliness and isolation as this quote by Jane Austen about family shows. We should consider how much we rely on our connections with others to navigate the challenges of life.
In essence, without the people who care about us, we feel lost and scared. It’s a powerful reminder of how much we need our loved ones to feel secure and happy in life.
Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply.
Jane Austen
What strange creatures brothers are!
Jane Austen
A family of ten children will be always called a fine family, where there are heads and arms and legs enough for the number.
Jane Austen
Brief Analysis
Families are like their own little worlds. Unless we’ve lived inside a family ourselves, we can’t fully understand what each person in that family is dealing with.
The phrase “interior of a family” means all the stuff that happens behind closed doors—the ups, the downs, and everything else. These are the things that outsiders can’t fully grasp.
We shouldn’t be quick to assume we know everything about someone else’s life, especially their family life. So, it’s about empathy, understanding, and the importance of walking in someone else’s shoes before passing judgment.
Thus, this Jane Austen Family quote urges us to approach each individual’s experiences and challenges with empathy and understanding. Every family is unique, and unless we’ve lived within its walls, we can’t claim to know all the obstacles its members face.
Read “The Complete Novels of Jane Austen”
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