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:

When love is not madness it is not love.

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.

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.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

For man's greatest crime is to have been born.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.

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?

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

A good action is never lost; it is a treasure laid up and guarded for the doer's need.

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.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

If you cannot reconcile yourself to the law, remain in the cradle.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

For all life is a dream, and dreams themselves are only dreams.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

'Tis not where we lie, but whence we fell; the loss of heaven's the greatest pain in hell.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

For even in dreams a good deed is not lost.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

One may know how to gain a victory, and know not how to use it.

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.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca