Welcome to our collection of memorable quotes by the esteemed Irish novelist, playwright, and poet, Oliver Goldsmith. Born in 1730, Goldsmith’s literary contributions have left an indelible mark on English literature. Renowned for his insightful observations on life, love, society, and human nature, Goldsmith’s words continue to resonate with readers across generations.
Throughout his prolific career, Oliver Goldsmith penned timeless works such as The Vicar of Wakefield, She Stoops to Conquer, and the beloved poem The Deserted Village. His writings often blend wit, wisdom, and compassion, offering readers both entertainment and profound reflection. Goldsmith’s keen observations on the human condition and his ability to capture the nuances of everyday life have solidified his place as one of the literary giants of his era.
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Oliver Goldsmith quotes that span a wide range of topics, each offering a glimpse into his keen intellect and perceptive understanding of the world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, insight, or simply appreciate the beauty of well-crafted words, we invite you to explore these timeless quotes and discover the enduring wisdom of Oliver Goldsmith.
People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy. Oliver Goldsmith
With disadvantages enough to bring him to humility, a Scotsman is one of the proudest things alive. Oliver Goldsmith
They say women and music should never be dated. Oliver Goldsmith
I chose my wife, as she did her wedding gown, for qualities that would wear well. Oliver Goldsmith
If you were to make little fishes talk, they would talk like whales. Oliver Goldsmith
Write how you want, the critic shall show the world you could have written better. Oliver Goldsmith
The best way to make your audience laugh is to start laughing yourself. Oliver Goldsmith
You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips. Oliver Goldsmith
The hours we pass with happy prospects in view are more pleasing than those crowded with fruition. Oliver Goldsmith
Pity and friendship are two passions incompatible with each other. Oliver Goldsmith
All that a husband or wife really wants is to be pitied a little, praised a little, and appreciated a little. Oliver Goldsmith
A great source of calamity lies in regret and anticipation; therefore a person is wise who thinks of the present alone, regardless of the past or future. Oliver Goldsmith
The company of fools may first make us smile, but in the end we always feel melancholy. Oliver Goldsmith
A man who leaves home to mend himself and others is a philosopher; but he who goes from country to country, guided by the blind impulse of curiosity, is a vagabond. Oliver Goldsmith
As writers become more numerous, it is natural for readers to become more indolent; whence must necessarily arise a desire of attaining knowledge with the greatest possible ease. Oliver Goldsmith
Friendship is a disinterested commerce between equals; love, an abject intercourse between tyrants and slaves. Oliver Goldsmith
Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues. Oliver Goldsmith
Romance and novel paint beauty in colors more charming than nature, and describe a happiness that humans never taste. How deceptive and destructive are those pictures of consummate bliss! Oliver Goldsmith
Every absurdity has a champion to defend it. Oliver Goldsmith
Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain, With grammar, and nonsense, and learning, Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, Gives genius a better discerning. Oliver Goldsmith
Honour sinks where commerce long prevails. Oliver Goldsmith
There are some faults so nearly allied to excellence that we can scarce weed out the vice without eradicating the virtue. Oliver Goldsmith
On the stage he was natural, simple, affecting, ‘Twas only when he was off, he was acting. Oliver Goldsmith
Hope is such a bait, it covers any hook. Oliver Goldsmith
Surely the best way to meet the enemy is head on in the field and not wait till they plunder our very homes. Oliver Goldsmith
Ceremonies are different in every country, but true politeness is everywhere the same. Oliver Goldsmith
I love everything that’s old, – old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine. Oliver Goldsmith
Tenderness is a virtue. Oliver Goldsmith
Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations. Oliver Goldsmith
Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall. Oliver Goldsmith
Be not affronted at a joke. If one throw salt at thee, thou wilt receive no harm, unless thou art raw. Oliver Goldsmith
Girls like to be played with, and rumpled a little too, sometimes. Oliver Goldsmith
When lovely woman stoops to folly, and finds too late that men betray, what charm can soothe her melancholy, what art can wash her guilt away? Oliver Goldsmith
The jests of the rich are ever successful. Oliver Goldsmith
Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse. Oliver Goldsmith
I was ever of the opinion, that the honest man who married and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single, and only talked of population. Oliver Goldsmith
Where wealth accumulates, men decay. Oliver Goldsmith
Law grinds the poor, and rich men rule the law. Oliver Goldsmith
Man wants but little here below, nor wants that little long. Oliver Goldsmith
Could a man live by it, it were not unpleasant employment to be a poet. Oliver Goldsmith