As a writer, bookworm and English graduate, there’s nothing I love more than words (figuratively speaking, of course). Everytime I read a book or finally find that word that I’ve been looking for, I’m always amazed at just how much power a few little symbols can hold. For me, it’s incredible that even one little word or sentence can make me laugh and cry, or take me to a totally different world, or just let me express so much in one fell swoop – “fine”, I’m looking at you. It’s really no wonder I have so many favourite quotes; I live for words. Here are the ones that get me every time…
Bring me sunset in a cup – Emily Dickinson
This is such a beautiful image and every time I read it, it makes me happy all over again. For me, these six words conjure up a whole world of colour and make the world seem like a simple place.
I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing – Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Continuing along the same American literature theme, this quote from Moby Dick is actually quite important to me. For me, it’s a kind of reminder to stop worrying about tomorrow, next week or next year and focus on keeping positive, whatever life might throw at me.
You your own best thing – Toni Morrison, Beloved
If anyone knows how to spin words, it’s Toni Morrison. I love the sentiment of this quote. No matter your circumstances in life, you should always take care of yourself because there’s nothing more special.
You can’t blame gravity for falling in love – Albert Einstein
Because scientists are wordsmiths too.
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’! – Audrey Hepburn
I love this because it’s the truth. And it’s also clever word play. What’s not to love?
It is the hour of pearl—the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself – John Steinbeck, Cannery Row
Cannery Row is my absolute favourite Steinbeck novel, purely because of the poetry. If I could quote the whole book, I would. I chose this quote in particular because it doesn’t make any literal sense. But, at the same time, it makes all the sense in the world.
The poetry of the earth is never dead – John Keats
Keats is my favourite poet, so it only makes sense that I end this post with him. There’s so much to unpack in this one quote, but what I take away from it is this: the earth is ever-changing in all the best ways and all we have to do is pay attention.
Just Emma Things 