Charles Caleb Colton Quotes

A collection of quotes by Charles Caleb Colton.

Charles Caleb Colton (1780–1832) was a British writer and clergyman, best known for his wit and aphoristic style of writing. Born in England, the details of his early life are somewhat obscure. He attended the University of King's College, Aberdeen, and later became a clergyman in the Church of England.

Colton's most famous work is "Lacon," a three-volume collection of epigrammatic and moralistic aphorisms published between 1820 and 1822. His sharp intellect and observational abilities are evident in these concise and thought-provoking snippets of wisdom, covering a wide range of topics including society, human nature, and morality.

Despite his literary success, Colton faced financial difficulties throughout his life. He resided in Paris for a time, where he cultivated a reputation as a man of taste and learning, associating with various prominent figures of the literary and social circles. Colton returned to England but was plagued by debts, leading him to abandon the clergy and become a full-time writer.

Colton's writing style was often compared to that of his contemporary, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and his works enjoyed some popularity during his lifetime. However, he fell into relative obscurity after his death, with his writings and reputation fading from public consciousness.

Although little known today, Charles Caleb Colton made an impact during his time for his sharp wit and ability to capture complex ideas in concise and memorable form through his writing.