Pedro Calderón de la Barca quotes

Pedro Calderón de la Barca was a Spanish playwright, poet, and dramatist of the Golden Age. Considered one of the greatest writers in Spanish literature, he is especially renowned for his philosophical dramas and religious allegories. He deeply influenced the development of Spanish theatre with works such as "Life is a Dream." Here are 16 of his quotes:

What is life? A madness. What is life? An illusion, a shadow, a story. And the greatest good is little enough: for all life is a dream, and dreams themselves are only dreams. (Pedro Calderón de la Barca)
When love is not madness it is not love. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
But whether it be dream or truth, to do well is what matters. If it be truth, for truth's sake. If not, then to gain friends for the time when we awaken. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
These flowers, which were splendid and sprightly, Waking in the dawn of the morning, In the evening will be a pitiful frivolity, Sleeping in the cold night's arms. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
For man's greatest crime is to have been born. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
What law, what reason can deny that gift so sweet, so natural that God has given a stream, a fish, a beast, a bird? View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
A good action is never lost; it is a treasure laid up and guarded for the doer's need. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
What surprises you, if a dream taught me this wisdom, and if I still fear I may wake up and find myself once more confined in prison? And even if this should not happen, merely to dream it is enough. For this I have come to know, that all human happiness finally ceases, like a dream. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
If you cannot reconcile yourself to the law, remain in the cradle. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
The treason past, the traitor is no longer needed. (Pedro Calderón de la Barca)
For all life is a dream, and dreams themselves are only dreams. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
'Tis not where we lie, but whence we fell; the loss of heaven's the greatest pain in hell. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
For even in dreams a good deed is not lost. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
One may know how to gain a victory, and know not how to use it. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Never confide your secrets to paper; it is like throwing a stone in the air; and if you know who throws the stone, you do not know where it may fall. View quote
Pedro Calderón de la Barca