Douglas Jerrold Quotes

Powerful Douglas Jerrold for Daily Growth

About Douglas Jerrold

Douglas Jerrold (1786-1857), an English playwright, journalist, and social reformer, was born on September 3, 1786, in London. His father was the actor James William Jerrold, and his mother was Sarah Farren, a popular actress. Growing up amidst theatre and literature, it was inevitable that Jerrold's life would be intertwined with both. At a young age, Jerrold was apprenticed to a bookseller but soon turned to journalism. His writing career began in earnest in 1809 when he became the assistant editor of The Champion, a radical newspaper. Over the years, he contributed to several periodicals and published many pamphlets, often using humor and satire to address social issues. In 1826, Jerrold wrote one of his most famous plays, "Black-Eyed Susan," which was a great success. His other significant works include "The Pride of the Ring" (1829), "Miss in Her Teens" (1829), and "The Wife's Tale" (1850). He is also known for "What I Would Not Do for $1,000," a story about an honest man who refuses to compromise his morals for money. Jerrold was a vocal advocate for social reform and was deeply involved in the Chartist movement, which aimed to extend voting rights to the working class. His writings reflected his progressive views on society and politics. In 1840, Jerrold became the editor of Punch magazine, where he continued to use humor as a means of social critique until his death on December 22, 1857. Throughout his life, Douglas Jerrold left an indelible mark on English literature, journalism, and the theatre with his wit, satire, and commitment to social reform.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

This quote implies that despite our individual circumstances or current state (being "in the gutter"), there's a difference between those who remain focused on their struggles and those who maintain hope for something better ("looking at the stars"). It suggests optimism, resilience, and an aspiration to rise above one's challenges, regardless of the present situation.


"The secret of happiness is not in dreams, but in waking up."

This quote emphasizes that true happiness does not lie in daydreams or fantasies, but in recognizing and engaging with reality. It encourages us to embrace the present moment and make active steps towards achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life, rather than being stuck in wishful thinking or longing for an idealized future. In essence, it reminds us that we have the power to create happiness by waking up to our potential and seizing opportunities in the real world.


"Time travels faster inside a clock than it does anywhere else."

This quote highlights the concept that time seems to pass more quickly in certain situations or contexts, rather than uniformly everywhere. In the case of a clock, the second hand moves consistently, making time appear to travel faster within its mechanism compared to the perceived slow passage of time in our everyday experiences. The quote is a metaphorical way to illustrate that sometimes we perceive time differently based on our activities or perspective, and often, time seems to speed up as we grow older due to increased responsibilities or familiarity with events.


"Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance."

This quote emphasizes that consistent effort and determination, rather than sheer strength or talent, are crucial for achieving great things. It suggests that one's ability to persist through challenges and keep pushing forward is what ultimately leads to significant accomplishments. In other words, perseverance - the quality of continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition - is more valuable than pure physical or intellectual strength when it comes to creating impactful work.


"A little in love is a long way."

This quote by Douglas Jerrold signifies that even a small degree of love can take you far, implying a profound and lasting impact. It suggests that love, no matter how minimal it may seem at first, has the power to sustain relationships over great distances or periods of time.


A conservative is a man who will not look at the new moon out of respect for that 'ancient institution' the old one.

- Douglas Jerrold

New, Conservative, Will, Old One

A coquette is like a recruiting sergeant, always on the lookout for fresh victims.

- Douglas Jerrold

Always, Like, Sergeant, Recruiting

Love's like the measles, all the worse when it comes late in life.

- Douglas Jerrold

Love, Late, Like, Measles

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