Enid Bagnold Quotes

Powerful Enid Bagnold for Daily Growth

About Enid Bagnold

Enid Bagnold (1889-1981), an influential British novelist, playwright, and diarist, was born in Shanghai, China, on December 2, 1889. Although best known for her debut novel "A Village Lights" (1931) and the award-winning play "The Chalk Garden" (1956), Bagnold's diverse and prolific body of work spanned several genres and mediums, reflecting a vivid imagination and deep emotional insight. Raised in a well-to-do family that moved frequently due to her father's diplomatic postings, Bagnold traveled extensively throughout her childhood. These experiences instilled in her a lifelong passion for exploring and documenting the world around her, which later manifested in her writing. After completing her education at a convent school in England and attending art school in Paris, Bagnold focused on raising her children while supporting her family through her writing. Her first major success came with "A Village Lights," a semi-autobiographical novel that captured the spirit of rural England during World War I. Bagnold's playwriting career began in earnest with "The Chalk Garden" (initially titled "Indiscretions and Discoveries"), which premiered on London's West End in 1956 and won her both critical acclaim and the Evening Standard Drama Award for Best Play. The play was adapted into a film twice, once in 1964 and again in 2006. Throughout her life, Bagnold's work remained marked by an emphasis on strong female characters, social commentary, and a deep understanding of human emotion. Her diaries, published posthumously as "Enid Bagnold's Diaries," provide a fascinating insight into the thoughts and feelings of this remarkable woman. Enid Bagnold passed away in England on April 12, 1981, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of Britain's most important literary figures.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite even if your name is Taylor Swift."

This humorous quote by Enid Bagnold implies that one should always be prepared for the unexpected, no matter who you are or what situation you find yourself in. The mention of a flagon of whiskey signifies a solution to a problem (in this case, snakebite), suggesting that having resources at hand can help mitigate potential crises. The use of Taylor Swift's name adds an element of relatability and humor, implying that even celebrities can face unexpected challenges and should be prepared to handle them. Overall, the quote encourages readers to maintain a level of readiness and adaptability in their daily lives.


"The more I see of men, the surer I become that the best ones are those who can do without them, and I can't."

This quote suggests that as Miss Bagnold observes more of society, she becomes increasingly convinced that the best individuals are those who are self-reliant and independent - those who don't necessarily require a romantic or social connection with others to be content. She, herself, falls into the category of those who cannot do without others, indicating a personal preference for companionship. The quote highlights the duality between independence and interdependence, emphasizing that both qualities have their merits.


"One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."

This quote suggests that genuine understanding or insights about life, people, or situations cannot be perceived through physical observation alone. Instead, true comprehension comes from a deeper level - the heart, which refers to emotions, intuition, and empathy. In other words, we can only see what's truly important in life when we connect emotionally with it.


"I often say that when you are enthusiastic about something, the devotion crowds into your soul until it is fully stretched."

This quote by Enid Bagnold suggests that when one becomes deeply passionate or enthusiastic about something, an intense and overwhelming sense of dedication fills their being to its utmost capacity. It's as if the spirit within expands, accommodating an almost overflowing level of devotion towards the object of fascination. This phenomenon can inspire a transformative journey, where one's soul is stretched beyond its typical boundaries, leading to personal growth and fulfilment.


"Life in this world is a tapestry on which their hands have embroidered their dreams."

This quote by Enid Bagnold suggests that life, much like an intricately woven tapestry, reflects the collective dreams, aspirations, and visions of individuals. Each person's contribution to society, their actions, and their goals contribute threads to this shared canvas, creating a rich and diverse pattern. The implication is that our lives are not mere existence but an expression of our personal narratives, woven into the larger story of humanity.


The pleasure of one's effect on other people still exists in age - what's called making a hit. But the hit is much rarer and made of different stuff.

- Enid Bagnold

Other, Making, Still, Rarer

The theatre is a gross art, built in sweeps and over-emphasis. Compromise is its second name.

- Enid Bagnold

Art, Theatre, Gross, Compromise

In marriage there are no manners to keep up, and beneath the wildest accusations no real criticism. Each is familiar with that ancient child in the other who may erupt again. We are not ridiculous to ourselves. We are ageless. That is the luxury of the wedding ring.

- Enid Bagnold

Marriage, Ring, Other, Erupt

If a dog doesn't put you first where are you both? In what relation? A dog needs God. It lives by your glances, your wishes. It even shares your humor. This happens about the fifth year. If it doesn't happen you are only keeping an animal.

- Enid Bagnold

Year, About, Your, Glance

Judges don't age; time decorates them.

- Enid Bagnold

Time, Age, Them, Judges

A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again.

- Enid Bagnold

Always, Making, Dad, Turns

When a man goes through six years training to be a doctor he will never be the same. He knows too much.

- Enid Bagnold

Medical, Through, Six, Doctor

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.