Lord Byron

Romantic poet

Modern influential 136 sayings

Sayings by Lord Byron

The only thing that consoles me for the follies of mankind is the contemplation of their virtues.

Early 19th century — Attributed to his philosophical reflections.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have a great contempt for public opinion, and I always have.

Early 19th century — Attributed to his rebellious nature.
Controversial Unverifiable

A drop of ink may make a million think.

Early 19th century — Often attributed to Byron, reflecting the power of writing.
Controversial Unverifiable

Friendship is Love without his wings!

1806 (pub. 1831) — L'Amitié est l'amour sans ailes
Humorous Unverifiable

The petrifactions of a plodding brain.

1809 — English Bards and Scotch Reviewers
Humorous Unverifiable

My Princess of Parallelograms" - "Her proceedings are quite rectangular, or rather we are two parallel lines prolonged to infinity side by side but never to meet.

1812 — Letter to Lady Melbourne, speaking of Annabella Milbanke
Humorous Unverifiable

If she had been a few years younger, what a fool she would have made of me had she thought it worth her while.

1813 — Journal entry, speaking of Lady Melbourne
Humorous Unverifiable

I by no means rank poetry high in the scale of intelligence – this may look like affectation – but it is my real opinion – it is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.

1813 — Letter to Annabella Milbanke
Humorous Unverifiable

What is hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

Like other parties of the kind, it was first silent, then talky, then argumentative, then disputatious, then unintelligible, then altogethery, then inarticulate, and then drunk.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed (describing a social gathering)
Humorous Unverifiable

Love in this part of the world is no sinecure.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

Wordsworth – stupendous genius! Damned fool! These poets run about their ponds though they cannot fish.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed (critical remark on William Wordsworth)
Humorous Unverifiable

I hate things all fiction… there should always be some foundation of fact for the most airy fabric and pure invention is but the talent of a liar.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

I wish he would explain his explanation.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

All tragedies are finished by a death, All comedies are ended by a marriage; The future states of both are left to faith.

1821 — Don Juan, Canto III
Humorous Unverifiable

Proud Wellington, with eagle beak so curled, That nose, the hook where he suspends the world!

1823 — Don Juan, Canto IX
Humorous Unverifiable

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.

c. 1820s (pub. 1834) — Conversations of Lord Byron with the Countess of Blessington
Humorous Unverifiable

Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

Men think highly of those who rise rapidly in the world; whereas nothing rises quicker than dust, straw, and feathers.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

They used to say that knowledge is power. I used to think so, but I know now they mean money.

c. 1800-1824 — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable