Vera Brittain Quotes

A collection of quotes by Vera Brittain.

Vera Brittain (1893-1970) was a British writer, feminist, and pacifist. She gained recognition for her memoir "Testament of Youth," which chronicled her experiences as a nurse during World War I and its aftermath. Brittain's book became a powerful anti-war statement and a feminist classic. Throughout her life, she actively advocated for peace, social justice, and women's rights. She continued writing and published novels, poetry, and more memoirs. Additionally, Brittain was involved in various political organizations and held positions in women's rights groups, working tirelessly to promote her ideals.

At no previous period has mankind been faced by a half-centu

At no previous period has mankind been faced by a half-century which so paradoxically united violence and progress. Its greater and lesser wars and long series of major assassinations have been strangely combined with the liberation of more societies and individuals than ever before in history, and by the transformation of millions of second-class citizens -- women, workers and the members of subject races -- to a stage at which first-rate achievement is no longer inhibited even if opportunities are not yet complete.

Twentieth Century

All that a pacifist can undertake -- but it is a very great

All that a pacifist can undertake -- but it is a very great deal -- is to refuse to kill, injure or otherwise cause suffering to another human creature, and untiringly to order his life by the rule of love though others may be captured by hate.

Meek wifehood is no part of my profession; I am your friend,

Meek wifehood is no part of my profession; I am your friend, but never your possession.

There is an abiding beauty which may be appreciated by those

There is an abiding beauty which may be appreciated by those who will see things as they are and who will ask for no reward except to see.

Politics are usually the executive expression of human immat

Politics are usually the executive expression of human immaturity.

I know one husband and wife who, whatever the official reaso

I know one husband and wife who, whatever the official reasons given to the court for the break up of their marriage, were really divorced because the husband believed that nobody ought to read while he was talking and the wife that nobody ought to talk while she was reading.