Charles Caleb Colton
(1780–1832) was an English writer, cleric, and collector known for his witty aphorisms. His work "Lacon" contains a wide range of observations on human behavior, society, and morality. Colton’s writing combines humor with philosophical insight, often reflecting on the complexities of life. His sayings have been widely quoted and continue to resonate. Charles Caleb Colton’s legacy remains strong in the tradition of concise and impactful wisdom literature.
14 quotes in this collection. Read them below, share your favourites, or follow the related links to explore similar voices.
All quotes by Charles Caleb Colton
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“Many books require no thought from those who read them, and for a very simple reason—they made no such demand upon those who wrote them.”
Meaning: Shallow writing leads to shallow reading. This quote emphasizes the importance of depth in both thinking and expression. -
“Men spend their lives in anticipations, in determining to be vastly happy at some period when they have time.”
Meaning: People often delay happiness, waiting for the perfect moment. This quote reminds us to live in the present. -
“Friendship often ends in love; but love in friendship—never.”
Meaning: While friendship can grow into love, love does not always return to pure friendship once changed. This quote highlights the delicate balance and complexity of relationships. -
“The excess of our youth are checks written against our age.”
Meaning: The actions we take in youth often have consequences later in life. This quote emphasizes the importance of responsibility and foresight, as early choices shape future outcomes. -
“To know a man, observe how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
Meaning: A person's true character is revealed in how they treat those who have less power or status. This quote highlights the importance of humility, kindness, and respect in defining integrity. -
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
Meaning: When someone imitates you, it often reflects admiration and respect for your qualities or achievements. This quote suggests that copying behavior can be a form of appreciation, even though originality remains important. -
“That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.”
Meaning: True wealth comes from appreciating simple joys. This quote promotes contentment over materialism. -
“True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.”
Meaning: People often take friendship for granted until it is gone. This quote compares friendship to health, emphasizing its importance and reminding us to appreciate and nurture relationships while we have them. -
“The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.”
Meaning: Great achievements often start small. This quote highlights how deep knowledge grows from simple beginnings. -
“We hate some persons because we do not know them; and will not know them because we hate them.”
Meaning: Prejudice often arises from ignorance. This quote highlights the cycle of misunderstanding and the importance of openness. -
“When you have nothing to say, say nothing.”
Meaning: Silence can often be more powerful than unnecessary words. This quote emphasizes the importance of thoughtful communication and avoiding speaking without purpose or clarity. -
“There is this difference between happiness and wisdom: he that thinks himself the happiest man really is so; but he that thinks himself the wisest is generally the greatest fool.”
Meaning: Self-perception influences happiness, but claiming wisdom often reflects ignorance. This quote promotes humility. -
“Next to acquiring good friends, the best acquisition is that of good books.”
Meaning: Books and friendships both enrich life. Colton emphasizes that knowledge from reading is as valuable as meaningful relationships. -
“The excess of our youth are checks written against our age, and they are payable with interest thirty years later.”
Meaning: Actions in youth have long-term consequences. This quote warns that careless behavior early in life can lead to future regret.