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Charles Reade Quotes

Powerful Charles Reade for Daily Growth

About Charles Reade

Charles Reade (1814-1884), an eminent Victorian novelist and dramatist, was born on March 10, 1814, in London. His father, George Reade, served as a surgeon in the Royal Navy, while his mother, Mary Ann Gifford, hailed from a family of modest means but great intellect. This upbringing instilled in Charles a strong sense of social justice and a keen interest in human nature. Reade's early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father's naval duties. He attended King Edward VI Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon, where he developed a lifelong love for Shakespeare. Following this, Reade enrolled at Queen's College, Oxford, but left without graduating due to financial difficulties. In 1836, Reade published his first novel, "The Cloister and the Hearth," which was an immediate success. The work showcases Reade's unique ability to blend fact and fiction, a style he would continue in many of his subsequent novels. Reade's works often reflected his social concerns and were influenced by contemporary events. His most famous novel, "The Cloister and the Hearth," was followed by other notable works such as "Hard Cash" (1866), a critique of the penal system, and "Griffith Gaunt" (1866), which explores the themes of revenge and redemption. Reade's literary career also extended to the stage. His play "Masks and Faces," produced in 1852, was one of the first examples of a 'drama of ideas,' using realistic dialogue and character development to explore social issues. Despite his success, Reade struggled financially throughout his life due to poor business decisions and extravagant living. He died on April 8, 1884, in London, leaving behind a rich legacy as a pioneer of both the novel and drama genres. His works continue to be celebrated for their insightful portrayals of human nature and their unwavering focus on social justice issues.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest pleasure I know is a good joke which everyone enjoys."

This quote by Charles Reade emphasizes that one of the most profound pleasures in life comes from sharing a good, universally appreciated joke. It suggests that humor not only brings joy to ourselves but also fosters unity and camaraderie when it is enjoyed by everyone who hears or experiences it. In essence, laughter serves as a powerful bonding agent, connecting people through shared amusement and happiness.

"There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth."

The quote emphasizes that in times of crisis, straightforward honesty and authenticity are the most powerful and secure approaches to navigate through difficulties. In other words, when faced with challenges, it's best to rely on factual information rather than deceit or obfuscation, as this provides a solid foundation for making sound decisions and finding solutions.

"We are not our own; we are God's: and so all things are ours."

This quote by Charles Reade emphasizes a profound sense of spirituality and humility, suggesting that humans do not belong to themselves, but rather, we are the creations of a higher power - God. The phrase "and so all things are ours" implies that our connection with the divine grants us access to the world and its resources, as well as an understanding that everything is interconnected. This quote encourages a selfless and grateful outlook on life, recognizing our place in the universe and our shared responsibility towards it.

"Truth crushes falsehood, but it needs the leverage of time to do so."

This quote implies that truth ultimately prevails over falsehood, but it requires time for this process to unfold. In other words, although the truth may not always be immediately apparent or widely accepted, given enough time, its inherent validity will eventually become evident, causing falsehoods to crumble under its weight. This underscores the importance of patience and persistence in pursuing truth and justice, as well as the need for diligence in discerning fact from fiction.

"Love is a divine emotion, for it is born in us by the Holy Ghost, as fire is produced by friction."

This quote by Charles Reade suggests that love, like divine fire, is not a natural or mundane occurrence, but rather an emotion that arises within us through spiritual stimulation, similar to how fire is created by friction. He implies that love is a profound, supernatural force that connects people, and it originates from the higher spiritual powers, symbolized as the "Holy Ghost." This interpretation underscores the unique, sacred nature of love, implying that it transcends ordinary human experiences and has a divine origin.

Judicious absence is a weapon.

- Charles Reade

Absence, Weapon, Judicious

The joys we expect are not so bright, nor the troubles so dark as we fancy they will be.

- Charles Reade

Fancy, Expect, Nor, Joys

The absent are like children, helpless to defend themselves.

- Charles Reade

Children, Like, Defend, Helpless

Make 'em laugh; make 'em cry; make 'em wait.

- Charles Reade

Cry, Wait, Make, Laugh

Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.

- Charles Reade

Character, Destiny, Act, Sow

Not a day passes over the earth, but men and women of no note do great deeds, speak great words and suffer noble sorrows.

- Charles Reade

Deeds, Over, Note, Sorrows

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