Elsa Maxwell Quotes

Powerful Elsa Maxwell for Daily Growth

About Elsa Maxwell

Elsa Maxwell (1883-1966), an American hostess, society figure, and columnist, was known as the "Hostess with the Mostest." Born on September 10, 1883, in New York City, to vaudeville performers, Maxwell's flamboyant personality was nurtured from a young age within the vibrant world of show business. Maxwell left her mark in various fields throughout her life. As a hostess, she orchestrated high-profile events attended by Hollywood stars and European nobility. Her glittering soirees at venues such as New York's Rainbow Room and London's Claridge's Hotel set the standard for society gatherings during the 1920s through the 1950s. As a writer, Maxwell penned columns for the Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate, Hearst newspapers, and The New Yorker. Her witty observations and gossip about the elite made her a popular read across America. In addition to her journalistic pursuits, she wrote several books that delved into topics such as theater, travel, and high society. Maxwell's influence extended beyond the United States. She was friends with European royalty, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and she was a regular at British aristocratic events. Her connections to the European elite helped her maintain a transatlantic social presence. Elsa Maxwell's life and career are a testament to her charisma, wit, and ability to navigate the worlds of high society, entertainment, and journalism. Despite some controversy surrounding her personality and methods, she remains an iconic figure in American popular culture and a shining example of the power of charm and connections.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a grand sweet song, so start the verve and join the chorus."

This quote encourages people to embrace life with enthusiasm and join in the joy and excitement that it brings. It suggests that life should be approached as a beautiful melody, one filled with optimism, energy, and participation. In other words, Elsa Maxwell invites us to seize the day, be positive, and immerse ourselves fully in the experiences and opportunities that life presents to us.


"One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art."

This quote emphasizes the importance of individual self-expression and personal style. Elsa Maxwell suggests that one can choose to live their life as a 'work of art' – a metaphor for leading an extraordinary, meaningful, and memorable life. Alternatively, she encourages embracing the role of 'wearing a work of art', which implies adorning oneself with stylish and distinctive clothing or accessories to reflect one's personality and taste. Essentially, Elsa Maxwell invites us to cultivate our inner selves and outer appearances to create a unique and captivating impression on the world around us.


"Everyone has the right to be an eccentric. Nobody has the right to be boring."

This quote emphasizes that everyone has the freedom and creativity to express themselves in unique and unconventional ways, as long as they are not causing harm to others. It encourages individuality and self-expression, while also suggesting that monotony and predictability can be perceived as dull or uninteresting. In essence, Elsa Maxwell is advocating for the celebration of diversity in human nature and personality.


"Life is a masquerade ball - mask your troubles and dance through them."

This quote by Elsa Maxwell suggests that life, much like a masquerade ball, can be filled with challenges and struggles (troubles), but it's important to maintain an optimistic and resilient attitude in the face of adversity. By "masking" one's troubles, she means to not let difficulties overwhelm you or define your experience, but rather to find a way to cope and carry on. The "dance through them" part encourages us to find joy and movement even in difficult times, as if we are dancing our way through life's challenges. In essence, it's a call to embrace life fully, even when things get tough, and find ways to enjoy the journey despite obstacles.


"I've often said there are no new ideas under the sun, only new names for old tricks."

This quote suggests that originality is rare; instead, people tend to repackage or rename existing ideas in a way that feels novel or unique. The essence of an idea remains constant, while its presentation or context can evolve over time.


Seeing unhappiness in the marriage of friends, I was content to have chosen music and laughter as a substitute for a husband.

- Elsa Maxwell

Marriage, Music, Seeing, Unhappiness

Giving parties is a trivial avocation, but it pays the dues for my union card in humanity.

- Elsa Maxwell

Union, Trivial, Parties, Dues

Bores put you in a mental cemetery while you are still walking.

- Elsa Maxwell

Walking, Bores, Still, Cemetery

Someone said that life is a party. You join in after it's started and leave before it's finished.

- Elsa Maxwell

Started, Before, Finished, Party

A bore is a vacuum cleaner of society, sucking up everything and giving nothing. Bores are always eager to be seen talking to you.

- Elsa Maxwell

Always, Sucking, Eager, Cleaner

Under pressure, people admit to murder, setting fire to the village church or robbing a bank, but never to being bores.

- Elsa Maxwell

Church, Pressure, Robbing, Bores

I make enemies deliberately. They are the sauce piquante to my dish of life.

- Elsa Maxwell

Sauce, Deliberately, Dish, Enemies

Serve the dinner backward, do anything - but for goodness sake, do something weird.

- Elsa Maxwell

Change, Weird, Backward, Sake

Existence is a party. You join after its started and you leave before its finished.

- Elsa Maxwell

Existence, Leave, Before, Finished

I don't hate anyone. I dislike. But my dislike is the equivalent of anyone else's hate.

- Elsa Maxwell

Dislike, Anyone, Else, Equivalent

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