Famous quotes
Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,158,808 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
EnglishItalianoPolskiעבריתFrançaisPortuguêsفارسیEspañol中文РусскийDeutschالعربيةहिन्दी日本語ΕλληνικάLatina
Nature
LoveFriendshipHappinessHopeFearCourageDeathLifeTimeWarPeaceFreedomTruthWisdomKnowledgeScienceArtMusicNatureMoneyWorkPowerGodBeautyLaughterFamilySuccess and failureChangeDreamsBooks and reading
“It is absurd to try to summarize this book in a dozen paragraphs, when even the previous hundreds of pages in which I have attempted to set out some of the complications of this vast and extraordinarily ramified theme can best be described by the Chinese expression ‘looking at flowers from horseback’.”
Martin Bernal (1937–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Together we run to gather the beloved flowers of the meadow that belongs to the Mother of God.”
Germanus I of Costantinople (634–732) said by 732 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A world of grief and pain Oh God, but flowers bloom, even then.”
Kobayashi Issa (1763–1828) said by 1828 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: O'Connor, C. (2013). The Courage to Love: Surviving and Thriving in Your Relationship
“... This is a most decorative herb, with pink buds on stems covered with purplish-grey hairs that glisten in the sun. The flowers are intense blue with a black cone of s. The plant usually grows 18ins. to 2½ft. high.”
Margaret Brownlow (1916–1968) said by 1968 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“s make a blaze of rose-pink, both and , while ’Blackthorn Apricot' is an orange-pink, , perhaps. It now looks well beside the grey-leafed with its spires of pea-green hiding tiny lemon-yellow flowers, or with the distinctive ’Euphorbioides', a plant I much admire.”
Beth Chatto (1923–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The small and graceful with its solitary pink blossoms was … acquired from with the , often favored for its delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves. China in turn imported the native Persian vine, , onion, , and and began cultivation of . Called Medice by the Greeks for the lush valleys of where it grew wild, alfalfa was first introduced to Greece when the Persians under carried it there as .”
Elizabeth Moynihan (1929–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Florists' flowers, especially s and tulips, were already popular in the , and a book on the subject, The Florist's Vade Mecum, by the Rev. , son-in-law of the great gardener and gardening writer, , was published on 1683.”
Anne Scott-James (1913–2009) said by 2009 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“They came at dawn, as many as leaves or flowers that appear in season; and then an evil fate from Zeus stood close to us, ill-fated as we were, and caused us to suffer many torments.”
Anthony Verity (born 1939) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When the cup of any sensual pleasure is drained to the bottom, there is always poison in the dregs. Anacreon himself declares that "the flowers swim at the top of the bowl!”
Jane Porter (1776–1850) said by 1850 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“May! queen of blossoms, And fulfilling flowers, With what pretty music Shall we charm the hours? Wilt thou have pipe and reed, Blown in the open mead? Or to the lute give heed In the green bowers?”
Edward Hovell-Thurlow, 2nd Baron Thurlow (1781–1829) said by 1829 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Now, who was it said our country lacks the fertile soil to produce sweet innocent flowers? Let him come and view these sprigs to the garland we have gathered in one spot, all of them undefiled still by bird or wind.”
John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo (1935–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My work often reflects feelings of nostalgia, saudade and ennui. It’s difficult to depart from one’s home country, especially when the future is uncertain. I find myself frequently missing my childhood home and the memories associated with it. The plants, flowers and creatures in my work are sourced from these memories, representing a longing for a time that no longer exists.”
Wangechi Mutu (born 1972) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As opposed to being symbols of love, flowers are closely associated with death, and their decay also becomes a relevant symbol for life’s struggles, as well as of death and rebirth”
Cinga Samson (born 1986) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I deserve my flowers for going through so much”
Olivia Mary Nantongo (born 1994) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From pain to pride: Olivia Nantongo unveils raw, powerful take on womanhood through artMonitor(May 18, 2025)
“I know God is moving Gospel to a higher height through me because some years back, people taught Gospel was all about shooting videos while standing close to flowers and all that. It got to a point people upon hearing of a gospel show conclude it will be boring; but it has changed.”
Joyce Blessing wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“At any time the predilection for flowers can deteriorate into a decided foolish mania.”
Robert Walser (1878–1956) first seen 1917 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Walk (1917)
“They are watching, yeah. Jaid bought flowers not only for his girlfriend but also her mother. And it was just the most thoughtful thing I had ever seen. It made me relax a little bit because it's like, well, maybe they are getting something, somehow.”
Garcelle Beauvais (born 1966) first seen 2026 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Garcelle Beauvais shares how she’s “Protecting Her Peace”;By Margaret Hargrove on 19 May 2026
“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”
Joseph Addison (disputed) first seen 1883 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: This appears as an anonymous proverb in Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine Vol. XIII, (January - June 1883) edited by T. De Witt Talmage, and apparently only in recent years has it become attributed to Addison.
“Normality is a well-paved street; it is good for walking—but no flowers will grow there.”
Vincent van Gogh (misattributed) first seen 1999 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In this post from The Quote Investigator, the earliest English version found was in a 2009 catalog for the exhibition "Vincent van Gogh: Between Earth and Heaven: The Landscapes" from the Kunstmuseum Basel in Switzerlan…
“The autumn comes, a maiden fair In slenderness and grace, With nodding rice-stems in her hair And lilies in her face. In flowers of grasses she is clad; And as she moves along, Birds greet her with their cooing glad Like bracelets' tinkling song.”
Kalidasa (disputed) first seen 1912 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ṛtusaṃhāra, pt. 3 (tr. Arthur W. Ryder, 1912)
“The perfumed flowers are our sisters, the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man - all belong to the same family. This shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors.”
Chief Seattle (misattributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To have ideas is to gather flowers. To think is to weave them into garlands.”
Sophie Swetchine (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Sweet memory, wafted by the gentle gale, Oft up the stream of time I turn my sail, To view the fancy haunts of long-lost hours, Blest with far greener shades, far lovelier flowers.”
Samuel Rogers (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The best and sweetest flowers of paradise God gives to His people when they are upon their knees. Prayer is the gate of heaven.”
Thomas Brooks (Puritan) (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“... This is a most decorative herb, with pink buds on stems covered with purplish-grey hairs that glisten in the sun. The flowers are intense blue with a black cone of s. The plant usually grows 18ins. to 2½ft. high.”
Margaret Brownlow (1916–1968) said by 1968 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There are some books and characters so pleasant, or rather which contain so much that is pleasant, that criticism is perplexed or silent. The hounds are perpetually at fault among the sweet-scented herbs and flowers that grow at the base of Etna.”
John Frederick Boyes (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There are flowers which only yield their fragrance to the night; there are faces whose beauty only fully opens out in death. No more wrinkles; no drawn, distorted lineaments; an expression of extreme humility, blended with gladness of hope; a serene brightness, and an ideal straightening of the outline, as if the Divine finger, source of supreme beauty, had been laid there.”
Valérie de Gasparin (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I was brought up in the British colonial type of painting, which I deplored. I had to do the little butterflies, the little flowers, and the little this and the little that in watercolors.”
Helen Lieros (1940–2021) said by 2021 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“_Cornelia._ What flowers are these? _Gazetta._ The pansy this. _Cor._ Oh, that 's for lovers' thoughts.”
George Chapman (1559–1634) said by 1634 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings, And Phoebus 'gins arise, His steeds to water at those springs On chaliced flowers that lies; And winking Mary-buds begin To ope their golden eyes: With everything that pretty is, My lady sweet, arise.”
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) said by 1616 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Flowers worthy of paradise.”
John Milton (1608–1674) said by 1674 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose.”
John Milton (1608–1674) said by 1674 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Proserpine gathering flowers, Herself a fairer flower.”
John Milton (1608–1674) said by 1674 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“As Jupiter On Juno smiles, when he impregns the clouds That shed May flowers.”
John Milton (1608–1674) said by 1674 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“At shut of evening flowers.”
John Milton (1608–1674) said by 1674 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Nor rough, nor barren, are the winding ways Of hoar antiquity, but strewn with flowers.”
Thomas Warton (1728–1790) said by 1790 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“The primal duties shine aloft, like stars; The charities that soothe and heal and bless Are scattered at the feet of man like flowers.”
William Wordsworth (1770–1850) said by 1850 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Still from the fount of joy's delicious springs Some bitter o'er the flowers its bubbling venom flings.”
Lord Byron (1788–1824) said by 1824 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“No sun, no moon, no morn, no noon, No dawn, no dusk, no proper time of day, . . . . . . No road, no street, no t' other side the way, . . . . . . No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no buds.”
Thomas Hood (1799–1845) said by 1845 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Buy my flowers,--oh buy, I pray! The blind girl comes from afar.”
Edward Bulwer Lytton (1805–1873) said by 1873 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“In the midst of the fountain of wit there arises something bitter, which stings in the very flowers.”
Lucretius (94–55 BC) said by 55 BC at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Go vegan because you want to change something in yourself or in the world and then do more. Eating a certain way isn’t enough; we have to do something about the world we live in. Anyone who wants to be vegan or cares about the earth or the life on earth should read a book called Endgame, Volume 1: The Problem of Civilization”
Andy Hurley (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Heaven unites again the links that Earth has broken! For on Earth so much is needed, but in Heaven Love is all!”
Adelaide Anne Procter (1825–1864) said by 1864 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From Angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold; "Peace on the earth, good will to man From Heaven’s all gracious King." The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.”
Edmund Sears (1810–1876) first seen 1849 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Angels' Song ("It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", 1849).
“I saw the earth open like a huge mouth, then close again over the paved street. An old man was trapped by the foot. I ran to him, told him to be brave while I hacked the pavement with a fireman's axe. But I was too late. The vise tightened, bit his leg off at the knee. I carried him away. His knee is still there, a bloody souvenir sticking out of the earth.”
John Fante (1909–1983) said by 1983 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Workers of all lands, unite — to smash the rule of English capitalism! You young upward-striving nations of the earth, combine to annihilate the old English dragon who blocks the treasures of the earth and withholds from you the riches of the world.”
Robert Ley (1890–1945) said by 1945 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in Peter Viereck Metapolitics: From Wagner and the German Romantics to Hitler (2004), p. 140
“Sudden thy silent beauty on me shone, Fair as the moon had given thee all her spell. Then, as Endymion had found on earth, In unchanged beauty but in fashion changed, Her whom I loved so long; so felt I then, Not that a new love in my heart had birth, But that the old, that far from reach had ranged, Was now on earth, and to be loved of men.”
Francis William Bourdillon (1852–1921) first seen 1875 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Sonnet I" in The Galaxy Vol. XIX, (January - June 1875), p. 747.
“I say you call yourself Goldstein, Silverstein, and Rubinstein because you're stealing all the gold and silver and rubies all over the earth — and it's true, because of your thieving and stealing and roguing, and lying all over the face of the planet earth.”
Khalid Abdul Muhammad (1948–2001) first seen 1994 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech in Baltimore (19 February 1994), quoted in New York Times (28 February 1994) "Islamic Figure In New Tirade Against Jews
“For all things are from the earth and to the earth all things come in the end.”
Xenophanes (570–478 BC) said by 478 BC at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Fragment 27, as quoted in Xenophanes of Colophon: Fragments, trans. J. H. Lesher (University of Toronto Press, 2001), p. 124
“It has been, up to this, Britain’s job to push civilized conditions into the earth’s crude spaces, and a lot of wowseristic Bible-thumping Boer farmers were only obstructing a Roman occupation of the earth’s surface.”
Norman Lindsay (1879–1969) first seen 1965 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Bohemians of the Bulletin (Sydney, 1965), p. 17