Frederic William Farrar Quotes

Powerful Frederic William Farrar for Daily Growth

About Frederic William Farrar

Frederic William Farrar (1831-1903), an English Anglican priest and prominent author of the Victorian era, was born on June 7, 1831, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England. He was the son of a clergyman, John Thomas Farrar, who instilled in him a deep love for literature and religion. Farrar studied at King's College, Cambridge, where he excelled academically and won numerous prizes. After graduating in 1854, he was ordained as a deacon and soon after as a priest in the Church of England. His first position was as a curate in a small village, but his talents quickly led him to more prominent roles. In 1860, Farrar became the Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, a post he held until 1882. During this time, he wrote several influential books, including "Life of Christ" (1874), which remains one of the most widely read works on the life of Jesus in the English-speaking world. In 1882, Farrar was appointed as the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, a position he held until his death. During his tenure, he oversaw extensive repairs and renovations to the cathedral and continued his prolific writing. Farrar's works were heavily influenced by his deep faith and his desire to reconcile science and religion. He was a contemporary of Charles Darwin and is often associated with the "Cambridge Ritualists," a group of Anglican clergy who sought to reform church practices. Farrar passed away on April 7, 1903, leaving behind a legacy of influential religious works that continue to be read and studied today. His quotes, such as "The great art in life is sailing," reflect his wisdom and spiritual insight.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not a long story, but very short and heart's breath."

This quote by Frederic William Farrar suggests that life is brief and transient, lasting only as long as one's heartbeat. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of life, encouraging us to focus on what truly matters in our short time here: our emotions, relationships, and personal growth. In essence, it encourages us to make the most of every moment.


"A good memory is a treasure, but a bad memory is like a wound."

This quote highlights the dual nature of memory: it can be a valuable asset, enriching our lives with knowledge and experiences (a "treasure"), or it can cause distress by repeatedly recalling painful or negative events ("like a wound"). Good memory allows us to learn, grow, and appreciate our past; while bad memory can burden us, hindering emotional well-being.


"We are nearer to the Kingdom of Heaven than we were yesterday."

This quote emphasizes the continuous nature of personal growth and spiritual development. It suggests that each day, as we learn, evolve, and improve ourselves, we come a little closer to achieving inner peace, wisdom, and the values associated with the concept of "Heaven" or enlightenment. In essence, it encourages us to take one step forward each day towards self-improvement, recognizing that our journey is ongoing.


"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal."

This quote by Farrar highlights the inherent risk and vulnerability associated with love. When one loves anything or anyone, they open themselves up to potential emotional pain, as love can lead to feelings of deep attachment that may be ultimately lost. The emphasis here is on the courage it takes to love, knowing that in doing so, one exposes their heart to the possibility of being hurt. However, the reward for such vulnerability can be profound connections and experiences of deep joy, making the risk worthwhile. In essence, the quote underscores the human capacity for emotional resilience in the face of love's unpredictable outcomes.


"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

This quote suggests that learning, or the process of acquiring knowledge (the "roots" of education), can be challenging and demanding, much like biting into a bitter root. However, the ultimate outcome of education – personal growth, wisdom, and success (the "fruit") – is worthwhile, as it is sweet and rewarding. The message encourages perseverance in pursuing education despite initial difficulties, as it leads to valuable and fulfilling results.


For although Claudius had been accused of gambling and drunkenness, not only were no worse sins laid to his charge, but he had successfully established some claim to being considered a learned man.

- Frederic William Farrar

Established, Learned Man, Claim

There was living in the palace at this time a brother of the great Germanicus, and consequently an uncle of the late emperor, whose name was Claudius Caesar.

- Frederic William Farrar

Living, Uncle, Palace, Emperor

Seneca brings vividly before us a picture of the various scholars assembled in a school of the philosophers.

- Frederic William Farrar

School, Before, Brings, Philosophers

The decision of such judges as Claudius and his Senate is worth very little in the question of a man's innocence or guilt; but the sentence was that Seneca should be banished to the island of Corsica.

- Frederic William Farrar

Guilt, Sentence, Very, Judges

Man's liberty ends, and it ought to end, when that liberty becomes the curse of its neighbors.

- Frederic William Farrar

Liberty, Neighbors, Ends, Ought

If ever I want to amuse myself with an idiot, I have not far to look for one. I laugh at myself.

- Frederic William Farrar

Idiot, Far, Ever, Amuse

Whether the prayer of Seneca was granted we do not know; but, as we do not again hear of Marcus, it is probable that he died before his father, and that the line of Seneca, like that of so many great men, became extinct in the second generation.

- Frederic William Farrar

Line, Before, Became, Extinct

But in the life of every man there are influences of a far more real and penetrating character than those which come through the medium of schools or teachers.

- Frederic William Farrar

Through, More, Which, Medium

There is only one real failure in life that is possible, and that is, not to be true to the best one knows.

- Frederic William Farrar

Failure, True, Only, Be True

No man can pass into eternity, for he is already in it.

- Frederic William Farrar

Man, Pass, He, Eternity

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