Frances Burney quotes - page 2

Frances Burney was an English novelist, diarist, and playwright, celebrated for her insightful depictions of 18th-century society. Her works, such as "Evelina" and "Camilla", were highly influential and admired by contemporaries like Jane Austen. She contributed greatly to English literature and paved the way for future women writers. Here are 56 of her quotes:

We continually say things to support an opinion, which we have given, that in reality we don't above half mean.

Frances Burney

We relate all our afflictions more frequently than we do our pleasures.

Frances Burney

How truly does this journal contain my real and undisguised thoughts--I always write it according to the humour I am in, and if astranger was to think it worth reading, how capricious--insolent & whimsical I must appear!--one moment flighty and half mad,--the next sad and melancholy. No matter! Its truth and simplicity are its sole recommendations.

Frances Burney

When young people are too rigidly sequestered from [the world], their lively and romantic imaginations paint it to them as a paradise of which they have been beguiled; but when they are shown it properly, and in due time, they see it such as it really is, equally shared by pain and pleasure, hope and disappointment.

Frances Burney

Those who wander in the world avowedly and purposely in pursuit of happiness, who view every scene of present joy with an eye to what may succeed, certainly are more liable to disappointment, misfortune and unhappiness, than those who give up their fate to chance and take the goods and evils of fortune as they come, without making happiness their study, or misery their foresight.

Frances Burney

How little has situation to do with happiness. The happy individual uses their intelligence to realise things could be worse and therefore is grateful and happy. The unhappy individual does the opposite!

Frances Burney

But authors before they write should read.

Frances Burney

Credulity is the sister of innocence.

Frances Burney

You must learn not only to judge but to act for yourself.

Frances Burney

Generosity without delicacy, like wit without judgment, generally gives as much pain as pleasure.

Frances Burney

To save the mind from preying inwardly upon itself, it must be encouraged to some outward pursuit. There is no other way to elude apathy, or escape discontent; none other to guard the temper from that quarrel with itself, which ultimately ends in quarreling with all mankind.

Frances Burney

Tis best to build no castles in the air.

Frances Burney

No man is in love when he marries. He may have loved before; I have even heard he has sometimes loved after: but at the time never. There is something in the formalities of the matrimonial preparations that drive away all the little cupidons.

Frances Burney

Imagination took the reins, and reason, slow-paced, though sure-footed, was unequal to a race with so eccentric and flighty a companion.

Frances Burney

such is the effect of true politeness, that it banishes all restraint and embarassment.

Frances Burney

... there's nothing but quarreling with the women; it's my belief they like it better than victuals and drink.

Frances Burney

Wealth per se I never too much valued, and my acquaintance with its possessors has by no means increased my veneration for it.

Frances Burney

don't be angry with the gentleman for thinking, whatever be the cause, for I assure you he makes no common practice of offending in that way.

Frances Burney

Never shall I recollect the occasion he gave me of displeasure, without feeling it renewed.

Frances Burney

She [Evelina] is not, indeed, like most modern young ladies; to be known in half an hour; her modest worth, and fearful excellence, require both time and encouragement to show themselves.

Frances Burney

while we all desire to live long, we have all a horror of being old!

Frances Burney

to be sure, marriage is all in all with the ladies; but with us gentlemen it's quite another thing!

Frances Burney