Washington Irving Quotes

A collection of quotes by Washington Irving.

Washington Irving was a renowned American author, essayist, historian, and diplomat born on April 3, 1783, in New York City. He is considered one of the first American writers to achieve international fame and recognition for his literary works. Irving's most famous works include "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which are still widely read today.

Irving began his literary career at an early age, writing articles for local newspapers. His humorous and engaging writing style quickly gained him popularity, and he soon decided to pursue a career in writing. In 1809, he published his first major work, "A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty," under the pseudonym "Diedrich Knickerbocker." This satirical history book brought him both critical acclaim and financial success.

Throughout his career, Irving continued to write and publish various works, including short stories, essays, and travelogues. His writings often focused on American folklore, history, and European culture. His vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling style captivated readers of his time.

In addition to his literary achievements, Irving also had a successful diplomatic career. He served as a diplomat in Spain from 1826 to 1829, where he continued to write and research his historical works. He later returned to the United States and lived the remainder of his life in his beloved home, "Sunnyside," located in Tarrytown, New York.

Washington Irving's contributions to American literature and his ability to create captivating tales have left a lasting impact on the literary world. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of American literature and remains a celebrated figure in American cultural history.

The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper with use.

The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper with use.

Washington Irving

Temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the onl

Temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.

Washington Irving

He is indeed the true enchanter, whose spell operates, not u

He is indeed the true enchanter, whose spell operates, not upon the senses, but upon the imagination and the heart.

Washington Irving

There is certain relief in change, even though it be from ba

There is certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position, and be bruised in a new place.

Washington Irving

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

Washington Irving

A woman's life is a history of the affections.

A woman's life is a history of the affections.

Washington Irving

The natural principle of war is to do the most harm to our e

The natural principle of war is to do the most harm to our enemy with the least harm to ourselves and this of course is to be effected by stratagem.

Washington Irving

A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sister

A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all.

Washington Irving

Her mighty lakes, like oceans of liquid silver; her mountain

Her mighty lakes, like oceans of liquid silver; her mountains, with bright aerial tints; her valleys, teeming with wild fertility; her tremendous cataracts, thundering in their solitudes; her boundless plains, waving with spontaneous verdure; her broad, deep rivers, rolling in solemn silence to the ocean; her trackless forests, where vegetation puts forth all its magnificence; her skies, kindling with the magic of summer clouds and glorious sunshine - no, never need an American look beyond his own country for the sublime and beautiful of natural scenery.

Washington Irving

Nature Beauty America

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.

Washington Irving

Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back a

Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.

Washington Irving

They who drink beer will think beer.

They who drink beer will think beer.

Washington Irving

Alcohol/alcoholism

The idol of today pushes the hero of yesterday out of our re

The idol of today pushes the hero of yesterday out of our recollection; and will, in turn, be supplanted by his successor of tomorrow.

Washington Irving

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others however humble.

Washington Irving

Rising genius always shoots out its rays from among the clou

Rising genius always shoots out its rays from among the clouds, but these will gradually roll away and disappear as it ascends to its steady luster.

Washington Irving

There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard.

There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard.

Washington Irving

Envy / Jealousy

Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality

Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.

Washington Irving

Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.

Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.

Washington Irving

The tongue is the only instrument that gets sharper with use

The tongue is the only instrument that gets sharper with use.

Washington Irving

A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The hea

A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The heart is her world: it is there her ambition strives for empire; it is there her avarice seeks for hidden treasures. She sends forth her sympathies on adventure; she embarks her whole soul on the traffic of affection; and if shipwrecked, her case is hopeless -- for it is a bankruptcy of the heart.

Washington Irving