Agnes Repplier Quotes

A collection of quotes by Agnes Repplier.

Agnes Repplier (1855-1950) was an American essayist, known for her witty and insightful writings. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she began her writing career in the late 19th century and gained recognition for her essays on various subjects, including literature, history, and culture. Repplier's distinctive style combined intellectual depth with a playful tone, earning her a loyal readership. Throughout her lifetime, she published numerous essay collections, such as "In Our Convent Days" and "Points of View." Agnes Repplier's contributions to American literature continue to be appreciated for their keen observations and eloquent prose.

It is impossible for a lover of cats to banish these alert,

It is impossible for a lover of cats to banish these alert, gentle, and discriminating friends, who give us just enough of their regard and complaisance to make us hunger for more.

Agnes Repplier


There are few nudities so objectionable as the naked truth.

There are few nudities so objectionable as the naked truth.

Agnes Repplier

Truth

A kitten is chiefly remarkable for rushing about like mad at

A kitten is chiefly remarkable for rushing about like mad at nothing whatever, and generally stopping before it gets there.

Agnes Repplier

Pet

A villain must be a thing of power, handled with delicacy an

A villain must be a thing of power, handled with delicacy and grace. He must be wicked enough to excite our aversion, strong enough to arouse our fear, human enough to awaken some transient gleam of sympathy. We must triumph in his downfall, yet not barbarously nor with contempt, and the close of his career must be in harmony with all its previous development.

Agnes Repplier

Crime

It is not what we learn in conversation that enriches us. It

It is not what we learn in conversation that enriches us. It is the elation that comes of swift contact with tingling currents of thought.

Agnes Repplier

Conversation

The pessimist is seldom an agitating individual. His creed b

The pessimist is seldom an agitating individual. His creed breeds indifference to others, and he does not trouble himself to thrust his views upon the unconvinced.

Agnes Repplier

Pessimism

It has been well said that tea is suggestive of a thousand w

It has been well said that tea is suggestive of a thousand wants, from which spring the decencies and luxuries of civilization.

Agnes Repplier

Coffee (or Tea)

Edged tools are dangerous things to handle, and not infreque

Edged tools are dangerous things to handle, and not infrequently do much hurt.

Agnes Repplier

Risk

The clear-sighted do not rule the world, but they sustain an

The clear-sighted do not rule the world, but they sustain and console it.

Agnes Repplier

Perception

We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh.

We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh.

Agnes Repplier

Laughter

Humor brings insight and tolerance. Irony brings a deeper an

Humor brings insight and tolerance. Irony brings a deeper and less friendly understanding.

Agnes Repplier

Irony

There is nothing in the world so enjoyable as a thorough-goi

There is nothing in the world so enjoyable as a thorough-going monomania...

Agnes Repplier

Ego

People who cannot recognize a palpable absurdity are very mu

People who cannot recognize a palpable absurdity are very much in the way of civilization.

Agnes Repplier

Absurdity

It is as impossible to withhold education from the receptive

It is as impossible to withhold education from the receptive mind, as it is impossible to force it upon the unreasoning.

Agnes Repplier

Education

It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not

It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.

Agnes Repplier

Happiness