Charles Dickens, one of the most prominent and beloved novelists of the Victorian era, is known for his vivid characters, social commentary, and masterful storytelling. Born in 1812, Dickens’ works reflect his deep concern for social justice, the plight of the poor, and the complexities of human nature. Over the course of his career, he wrote numerous classics, including Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. His works are characterized by their rich descriptions, memorable characters, and a deep moral message. Below are 25 of the best quotes from Charles Dickens, each reflecting the themes of his works and his understanding of society, morality, and the human condition.
1. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”
Opening A Tale of Two Cities, this famous line sets the tone for one of Dickens’ most enduring works. It captures the contradictions and upheavals of the French Revolution, a period marked by both remarkable advancements and brutal conflicts. The quote highlights the complexity of history and the human experience, where progress and regression often coexist.
2. “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.”
This quote speaks to Dickens’ deep empathy and belief in kindness and compassion. In a world full of hardship, he urges people to maintain a heart full of compassion, a spirit of patience, and a gentle hand in their dealings with others. It is a call to resist the harshness that can develop in the face of adversity.
3. “There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.”
Dickens often emphasized the duality of human experience, and this quote reflects his belief that intellect and emotion are both important sources of wisdom. The rational, logical wisdom of the head complements the emotional, empathetic wisdom of the heart. Both are necessary for a complete understanding of life.
4. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
This quote highlights Dickens’ focus on charity and the interconnectedness of society. The idea that no person is without value if they help others speaks to his belief in the importance of compassion, generosity, and human connection. In many of his works, Dickens highlights the positive impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals and society as a whole.
5. “The one great principle of English law is to make business for itself.”
Dickens, with his keen social observation, often satirized institutions and the legal system. This quote reveals his critical stance on bureaucracy and the ways in which legal systems can sometimes operate for their own benefit rather than for justice or fairness. Dickens saw the law as often being a tool for control rather than a force for good.
6. “I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free.”
This line, from The Pickwick Papers, exemplifies Dickens’ deep understanding of personal freedom and the importance of autonomy. By invoking the image of a butterfly, a symbol of lightness and flight, Dickens is calling for freedom from societal constraints, both personal and institutional. His works often explore themes of individual freedom versus the oppressive forces of society.
7. “It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.”
A reflection of the social inequalities of Dickens’ time, this quote speaks to the disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished. Dickens often wrote about the struggles of the lower classes and the neglect they suffered at the hands of the wealthy and powerful. This line suggests that no matter how great a person’s achievements, they are often subject to the flaws and inequalities of society.
8. “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”
Dickens was an advocate for education, and this quote underlines the importance of literacy and intellectual development. It speaks to the transformative power of reading and the way that knowledge can shape a person’s life. For Dickens, education was a vital tool for empowerment, and he often portrayed characters who were oppressed due to a lack of education.
9. “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”
This quote from The Pickwick Papers emphasizes the power of love and kindness in guiding one’s actions. Dickens frequently highlighted the emotional and moral growth of his characters, showing that wisdom is not just an intellectual pursuit, but a product of love, empathy, and care for others.
10. “We are all going direct to Heaven, we are all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”
This quote from A Tale of Two Cities reflects Dickens’ critical view of political leaders and the self-righteousness of institutions. It portrays a sense of cyclical history, where the excesses and injustices of the past seem to repeat themselves. Dickens was acutely aware of the dangers of unchecked authority and the moral blindness that often accompanies power.
11. “There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.”
Dickens, who often portrayed the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, good and evil, used this quote to express a sense of optimism despite the darkness in the world. He believed that light—whether in the form of compassion, justice, or personal integrity—could shine even brighter in contrast to the hardships people face.
12. “Time is money.”
This simple yet powerful quote speaks to Dickens’ understanding of the importance of time in an increasingly industrialized world. In his novels, the pressure of time often becomes a burden for his characters, reflecting the relentless pace of modern life and the growing importance placed on productivity and economic gain.
13. “The first rule of business is: Do not be afraid of failure.”
Through this quote, Dickens touches on a broader theme of personal and professional resilience. In the context of his novels, many of his characters face adversity and failure but manage to grow from those experiences. Dickens was a firm believer in perseverance and learning from one’s mistakes.
14. “A man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.”
This quote highlights Dickens’ exploration of personal responsibility and the power of belief systems in shaping one’s character. Dickens often emphasized the role of morality, integrity, and self-reflection in determining the fate of his characters. This line suggests that a person’s internal beliefs can guide their actions and ultimately define their identity.
15. “Charity begins at home, but should not end there.”
Dickens was an advocate for social reform and often wrote about the importance of helping those in need. This quote reflects his belief that while charity should begin with personal responsibility and family, it should extend beyond to the wider community. For Dickens, true charity involved caring for all members of society, especially the marginalized.
16. “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.”
This romantic line from A Tale of Two Cities expresses deep emotional longing and the importance of love in Dickens’ work. The power of love and human connection is a central theme throughout his novels, and this quote encapsulates the idea that love is a transformative and transcendent force.
17. “There is no better time than now.”
Dickens often explored the theme of taking action and seizing the moment. This quote speaks to the urgency of addressing social issues, personal flaws, and the need for change. It is a call to embrace the present moment and make the most of it, rather than waiting for a “better” time that may never come.
18. “It is a common thing to meet with hard, experienced, and cynical men; but it is rare indeed to meet with a man who still retains the capacity to believe in and hope for a better world.”
In many of his works, Dickens explores the tension between optimism and cynicism. This quote highlights the value of hope and faith, suggesting that while the world may be full of hardship and disappointment, the ability to believe in a better future is a rare and precious quality.
19. “The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.”
This quote, from The Pickwick Papers, reflects Dickens’ artistic philosophy. For Dickens, creation was a process imbued with love, passion, and meaning. Unlike construction, which is merely the assembly of parts, creation involves deep emotional investment. This view is reflected in his literary works, where characters and stories often evolve with great care and affection.
20. “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
This quote speaks to the enduring power of human connection. Dickens often portrayed the emotional lives of his characters with great sensitivity, emphasizing the strength of love and friendship. The joy of reunion, after hardship or separation, is a recurring theme in his novels.
21. “The past was the best, but the present is too much for us.”
Dickens often reflected on the rapid changes of the Victorian era, particularly the shifts in industrialization, social structures, and personal values. This quote reflects nostalgia for the past, combined with a sense of anxiety and confusion about the present. Dickens frequently wrote about the tension between tradition and progress.
22. “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”
This quote reflects the moral fortitude and determination that characterizes many of Dickens’ protagonists. It speaks to the sense of duty and personal responsibility that drives characters like David Copperfield and Oliver Twist. In Dickens’ world, facing challenges head-on and doing what is right is a vital part of personal growth.
23. “”Nothing in the world is so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
This quote speaks to the power of positivity and the way in which laughter and joy can spread among people. In Dickens’ novels, humor is often used to highlight the absurdity of social norms and human folly. At the same time, his characters often find solace and strength in laughter, making it an essential part of overcoming adversity.
24. “It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.”
This quote reflects Dickens’ critical views on class disparities and the often arbitrary distinctions that society makes between individuals. While the “great men” of his time might hold power or wealth, they are still not immune to the struggles of family dynamics, especially when it comes to social position. Dickens frequently explored the relationships between characters of different social classes and the injustices that arise from these differences.
25. “I am what I am, and I am not ashamed of it.”
This quote captures Dickens’ belief in the importance of self-acceptance and personal integrity. Many of his characters, such as David Copperfield and Pip from Great Expectations, experience struggles with self-identity, but ultimately, they find peace in accepting who they are. Dickens encourages his readers to embrace their true selves, regardless of societal expectations or personal shortcomings.
Conclusion
Charles Dickens’ works are a treasure trove of insight into human nature, society, and morality. His 25 best quotes reflect his deep empathy for humanity and his relentless critique of the injustices of his time. Whether addressing the complexities of love, freedom, or social class, Dickens’ words continue to resonate because of their universal relevance. His stories urge readers to reflect on their own lives, to embrace compassion, and to seek justice in a world that often seems divided by inequality. Dickens remains a central figure in literature, not just because of the intricate plots or memorable characters he created, but because of his ability to capture the very essence of what it means to be human.