Ben Jonson Quotes

Powerful Ben Jonson for Daily Growth

About Ben Jonson

Benjamin Jonson (June 11, 1573 – August 6, 1637), an English poet, playwright, and actor of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, was a towering figure in early modern British literature. Born in Westminster, London to a family of modest means, his early life was marked by hardship as he left school at 14 to work as a stonecutter's apprentice. However, his love for learning and poetry led him to self-education, and he was eventually spotted by a wealthy patron who recognized his talents. Influenced by classical literature, Jonson's works showcased a sophisticated wit and mastery of language that earned him the nickname 'The Shakespere of England'. His plays, including "Volpone" (1605), "Epicoene" (1609), and "The Alchemist" (1610), are characterized by their intricate plots, satirical humor, and complex characters. Jonson's poetic works include the sequence of Shakespearean sonnets known as 'The Underwoods', and a series of entertainments for royal court, such as "The Masque of Queens" (1609). Jonson served time in prison for his role in the Poet's Revenge, an incident involving a hostile encounter with a fellow playwright, Thomas Middleton. Despite this setback, he continued to produce significant works, such as "The Sad Shepherd" (1633), a pastoral drama often considered his magnum opus. Jonson's influence extends beyond his lifetime, shaping the direction of English drama and poetry with his mastery of language, wit, and satire. His legacy continues to resonate in modern literature and theater. Notable quotes by Jonson include "I am not an atom of me without the world", reflecting his belief in the interconnectedness of all things, and "A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth o' the science bringeth him to religion." These quotes demonstrate Jonson's keen intellect and philosophical outlook on life.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To be gett'st wisdom after five-and-twenty is seldom worth a groat."

This quote by Ben Jonson suggests that it's rare for one to gain significant wisdom beyond the age of 25, implying that youth should not be underestimated in terms of potential wisdom and understanding. The phrase "seldom worth a groat" means that if wisdom comes late in life, it is of little value or importance.


"The best work that ever Briton wrote Is but the child of his own native thought."

This quote by Ben Jonson underscores the idea that British literature, or any creative work produced by a Briton, is essentially a manifestation of their inherent thoughts shaped by their native culture and environment. It suggests the unique perspective and insights that a creator brings to their work are rooted in their own experiences and upbringing, with the understanding that every great work is ultimately a product of its originator's mind and imagination. Essentially, Jonson posits that true brilliance comes from within and reflects the essence of one's identity as a Briton.


"How insociable may no man be with truth!"

Ben Jonson's quote, "How insociable may no man be with truth!", implies that there is no person who can be completely unsociable or avoid dealing with the truth at any given time. Truth has a way of revealing itself and affecting our interactions, regardless of our intentions to ignore it. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life and relationships.


"I am not an atom of new matter, and therefore I am a son of God."

This quote by Ben Jonson asserts his belief in the inherent divinity of all human beings. He suggests that, being more than just physical matter (an "atom"), he recognizes himself as a manifestation of the divine, a child of the universe's creator – God. The quote emphasizes the spiritual and transcendental aspect of humanity, affirming our unique connection to the divine.


"Who kills a man kills himself."

This quote, penned by Ben Jonson, reflects the idea that actions have consequences which are not always confined to their immediate targets. By harming another person, one harms oneself through the emotional pain, guilt, or karmic repercussions that may result. It suggests a deep sense of interconnectedness and moral responsibility in our actions towards others.


Vice Is like a fury to the vicious mind, And turns delight itself to punishment.

- Ben Jonson

Mind, Vice, Itself, Vicious

True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice.

- Ben Jonson

Happiness, True Happiness, Multitude

I do honour the very flea of his dog.

- Ben Jonson

Very, Honour, His, Flea

Success produces confidence; confidence relaxes industry, and negligence ruins the reputation which accuracy had raised.

- Ben Jonson

Success, Negligence, Which, Produces

Neither do thou lust after that tawny weed tobacco.

- Ben Jonson

Lust, Tobacco, Neither, Weed

Good men are the stars, the planets of the ages wherein they live, and illustrate the times.

- Ben Jonson

Good, Planets, Times, Good Men

O, for an engine, to keep back all clocks, or make the sun forget his motion!

- Ben Jonson

Forget, Clocks, His, Engine

And though thou hadst small Latin, and less Greek.

- Ben Jonson

Small, Greek, Though, Thou

A woman, the more curious she is about her face, is commonly the more careless about her house.

- Ben Jonson

Woman, Face, She, Careless

He threatens many that hath injured one.

- Ben Jonson

He, Injured, Many, Threatens

'Tis the common disease of all your musicians that they know no mean, to be entreated, either to begin or end.

- Ben Jonson

Common, Disease, Either, Tis

Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup And I'll not look for wine.

- Ben Jonson

Kiss, Will, Mine, Pledge

In small proportions we just beauties see; And in short measures, life may perfect be.

- Ben Jonson

Small, See, Measures, Proportions

This is the very womb and bed of enormity.

- Ben Jonson

Bed, Very, Womb, Enormity

Fortune, that favors fools.

- Ben Jonson

Fortune, Favors, Fools

Ill fortune never crushed that man whom good fortune deceived not.

- Ben Jonson

Never, Fortune, Deceived, Good Fortune

They that know no evil will suspect none.

- Ben Jonson

Evil, Know, Will, Suspect

Apes are apes, though clothed in scarlet.

- Ben Jonson

Though, Clothed, Scarlet

They say Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.

- Ben Jonson

Art, Reason, Groom, Princes

There is no greater hell than to be a prisoner of fear.

- Ben Jonson

Hell, Than, Prisoner, Greater

Art hath an enemy called Ignorance.

- Ben Jonson

Art, Ignorance, Enemy, Hath

To speak and to speak well, are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.

- Ben Jonson

Wise, Fool, May, Wise Man

He knows not his own strength that has not met adversity.

- Ben Jonson

Strength, Adversity, His, Met

He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.

- Ben Jonson

Fool, Himself, Taught, Master

Weigh the meaning and look not at the words.

- Ben Jonson

Words, Look, Weigh, Meaning

Ambition makes more trusty slaves than need.

- Ben Jonson

More, Need, Slaves, Ambition

Let them call it mischief: When it is past and prospered t'will be virtue.

- Ben Jonson

Past, Call, Mischief, Virtue

Honor's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times.

- Ben Jonson

Honor, Wear, Times, Hat

Talking and eloquence are not the same: to speak, and to speak well, are two things.

- Ben Jonson

Well, Same, Things, Eloquence

Language most shows a man, speak that I may see thee.

- Ben Jonson

See, Shows, Most, Thee

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