1,664 Quotes by Jane Austen

There is hardly any personal defect... which an agreeable manner might not gradually reconcile one to.

... professing myself moreover convinced that the general's unjust interference, so far from being really injurious to their felicity, was perhaps rather conducive to it, by improving their knowledge of each other, and adding strength to their attachment, I leave it to be settled, by whomsoever it may concern, whether the tendency of this work be altogether to recommend parental tyranny, or reward filial disobedience.

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 worthwhile to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it.

I cannot make speeches, Emma...If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.

Elinor agreed with it all, for she did not think he deserved the compliment of rational opposition.

How little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue.

No one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with.

One likes to hear what is to be going on, to be au fair with the newest modes of being trifling and silly.

Elinor was to be the comforter of others in her own distresses, no less than in theirs; and all the comfort that could be given by assurances of her own composure of mind, and a very earnest vindication of Edward from every charge but of imprudence, was readily offered.