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74 Literary Quotes to Live By

74 Literary Quotes to Live By

74 Literary Quotes to Live By

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For centuries, works of literature have provided inspiration and advice on how to live, work, travel, and love. Characters from the most beloved books offer life lessons and new perspectives that can influence the way we choose to live even when we’re done turning the page. From classics like Pride and Prejudice and To Kill a Mockingbird to more contemporary works like the Harry Potter series, great writing has the ability to sweep us off our feet and remain with us for years to come.

Whether you are an avid reader, or simply enjoy collecting rare books to display on your bookshelf, classic works of literature are full of motivational and insightful quotes that speak to the facets of the human experience. We pored over our favorite novels to compile 74 literary quotes to live by. Explore them below with our quote generator full of poignant expressions for every situation.


Literary Quotes to Live By


Wuthering Heights  — Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë

Margaret Mead

Gone With The Wind


You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.

Annie Prouix

Brokeback Mountain


I wish I knew how to quit you.

Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina


He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.

Victor Hugo

Les Misérables


To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.

Aphra Benn

The Rover


One hour of right down love is worth an age of dully living on.

Toni Morrison

Beloved


It’s good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind.

Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice


In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

Gabriel García Márquez

Love In The Time of Cholera


I have waited for this opportunity for more than half a century, to repeat to you once again my vow of eternal fidelity and everlasting love.

Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence


Each time you happen to me all over again.

Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice


We are all fools in love.

Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre


Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear.

W. H. Auden

The More Loving One


If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me.

Homer

The Odyssey


I look at you and a sense of wonder takes me.

Charles Dickens

Great Expectations


I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.

John Knowles

A Separate Peace


When you love something it loves you back in whatever way it has to love.

Junot Dìaz

This Is How You Lose Her


You were at the age where you could fall in love with a girl over an expression, over a gesture.

Don Quixote  — Don Quixote , Miguel de Carvantes Saavedra

William Goldman

The Princess Bride


Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.

Great works of literature can offer new perspective on people, places, and events, and compelling writing can even have the power to change our perception of the human experience. Classic novels that were written hundreds of years ago remain just as relevant today, and continue to offer lessons and advice that can make us stop and think about who we want to be.

The next time you’re looking for a little inspiration, consider turning to famous quotes from literature for a bit of a boost. Whether you’re going through a difficult time, lucky in love, planning a trip, or just want a good laugh, these famous literary quotes can offer insight to help you thrive.

Sources: Stylist | Bustle | Buzzfeed | ShortList | Buzzfeed | Quote Catalog | Reader’s Digest | Barnes and Noble | Book Riot | Mental Floss | Quote Catalog | Good Reads | Bustle | CNN Travel

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Posted on: August 15, 2018, 6:15 am Category: Uncategorized

2 Responses

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  1. Suzanne Percello said

    Margaret Mitchell, not Mead

  2. Suzanne Percello said

    Annie Proulx