Quotes by Washington Irving

About Washington Irving:

Washington Irving is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.. His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors and the Alhambra. Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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

Washington Irving

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

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

Washington Irving

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

Washington Irving

Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.

Washington Irving

An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather.

Washington Irving

Acting provides the fulfillment of never being fulfilled. You're never as good as you'd like to be. So there's always something to hope for.

Washington Irving

Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the jokes are rather small and laughter abundant.

Washington Irving

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

There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard.

Washington Irving

One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more.

Washington Irving

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

Washington Irving

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.

Washington Irving

The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.

Washington Irving

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

Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, shall win my love.

Washington Irving

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

Washington Irving

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.

Washington Irving

Who ever hears of fat men heading a riot, or herding together in turbulent mobs? No - no, your lean, hungry men who are continually worrying society, and setting the whole community by the ears.

Washington Irving

Marriage is the torment of one, the felicity of two, the strife and enmity of three.

Washington Irving

They who drink beer will think beer.

Washington Irving

Author Bio

  • NameWashington Irving
  • DescriptionAmerican writer, historian and diplomat
  • BornApril 3, 1783
  • DiedNovember 28, 1859
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Lawyer; Diplomat; Writer; Essayist; Playwright
  • WorksThe Legend Of Sleepy Hollow; Rip Van Winkle