Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach quotes

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach was an Austrian writer renowned for her psychological novels and short stories. Considered one of the most important authors of 19th-century German literature, she addressed issues such as social justice and women’s rights. She is celebrated for her insightful observations on human nature and her progressive views. Here are 122 of her quotes:

Imaginary evils are incurable.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Little evil would be done in the world if evil never could be done in the name of good.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

In youth we learn; in age we understand.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Nothing is so often and so irrevocably missed as the opportunity which crops up daily.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

An intelligent woman has millions of born enemies... all the stupid men.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

We don't believe in rheumatism and true love until after the first attack.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

An aphorism is the last link in a long chain of thought.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Nowadays people are born to find fault. When they look at Achilles, they see only his heel.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Those who know nothing must believe everything.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Fear not those who argue but those who dodge.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

He who believes in freedom of the will has never loved and never hated.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

We should always forgive. We should forgive the repentant for their sake, the unrepentant for our sake.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

The vain and weak see a judge in everyone; the proud and strong know no judge other than themselves.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

When your absolutely only choice is between an untruth and rudeness, then choose rudeness; if, however, your choice is between an untruth and cruelty, then choose untruth.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Genius points the way, talent takes it.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

People more easily tolerate opposition than a contradiction.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Whenever two good people argue over principles, they are both right.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Nobody knows enough, but many know too much.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

To have and not to give is often worse than to steal.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

The greatest enemy of justice is privilege.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

What delights us in visible beauty is the invisible.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Those who understand only what can be explained understand very little.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach