George Chapman Quotes

Powerful George Chapman for Daily Growth

About George Chapman

George Chapman (1559-1634), an influential English poet and playwright, was born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England in 1559. His exact birth date is uncertain, but it is believed to be around 1559 or 1560. Chapman's father, also named George Chapman, was a cloth merchant who sent his son to study at Cambridge University's Emmanuel College. Influenced by classical literature and the Elizabethan dramatic tradition, Chapman's works reflect a blend of the old and the new. He began his career as a translator, producing notable versions of Homer's "Iliad" (1598) and "Odyssey" (1611), works that established him as a scholar of Greek literature. Chapman's dramatic works include tragedies such as "The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois" (1599) and "The Tragedy of Cleopatra" (1606), which were praised for their depth, complexity, and use of blank verse. His most famous play, however, is "Eastward Ho!" (1605), a comedic satire on the foolishness of the English East India Company's attempts to colonize the East Indies. During his life, Chapman held several positions at court and was appointed as one of King James I's Gentlemen Pensioners in 1603. Despite these honors, Chapman's career was marred by controversy. His play "The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois" was attacked by fellow playwright Ben Jonson and Chapman was accused of treason for his satirical work "Eastward Ho!". Chapman died in 1634, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence literature and drama. His works, while sometimes controversial during his lifetime, have since been recognized for their innovative use of language, depth of characterization, and exploration of complex themes such as revenge, honor, and the human condition.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To beget a child takes nine months, but to have a parent, it takes a lifetime."

This quote by George Chapman emphasizes that the role of a parent extends far beyond the physical act of giving birth or conception. It implies that raising a child is an ongoing process that lasts a lifetime and requires continuous investment, guidance, and emotional support from parents. The bond between parent and child is not merely created at birth but evolves and strengthens over time, making parents significant figures in their children's lives for a much longer duration than the gestational period.


"A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything."

The quote highlights the power of relaxation, humor, and rest in alleviating stress or healing physical or emotional distress. A hearty laugh can reduce tension, boost mood, and promote social connections, while deep sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, allowing the body to recover and rejuvenate. This quote suggests that laughter and sleep should be prioritized as simple yet effective remedies for various life challenges.


"Better three hours too soon than a minute too late."

The quote "Better three hours too soon than a minute too late" by George Chapman emphasizes the value of timeliness and preparedness. It suggests that it's better to act earlier, even if it means being a bit premature or over-eager, rather than risk being late or unprepared for an opportunity or situation. This quote highlights the importance of seizing opportunities when they present themselves and not delaying actions until it might be too late.


"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you can't stand, and do what you'd rather not."

This quote suggests that maintaining good health often requires making choices that are not necessarily enjoyable or desirable, but necessary for one's wellbeing. It implies that while we may prefer to indulge in unhealthy foods, drink beverages high in sugar or alcohol, and avoid exercise, the path to optimal health might involve doing just the opposite. In essence, it emphasizes personal discipline and self-control as essential ingredients in a healthy lifestyle.


"I suppose that is the advantage of the young; they are conscious only of the marvels of life and not of the horrors."

This quote suggests that youth often perceives the world through a lens of wonder, focusing on the exciting and new aspects of life rather than its hardships or difficulties. It implies a naive optimism characteristic of young individuals who are yet to fully experience life's challenges and complexities. However, as one matures and gains life experiences, they may become more aware of the world's harsh realities, making them less enamored by life's marvels and more cognizant of its horrors.


Be free all worthy spirits, and stretch yourselves, for greatness and for height.

- George Chapman

Greatness, Stretch, Spirits, Worthy

And let a scholar all earth's volumes carry, he will be but a walking dictionary: a mere articulate clock.

- George Chapman

Walking, Will, Dictionary, Volumes

For one heat, all know, doth drive out another, One passion doth expel another still.

- George Chapman

Heat, Still, Doth, Expel

Who to himself is law, no law doth need, offends no law, and is a king indeed.

- George Chapman

Law, Himself, Doth, No Law

He that shuns trifles must shun the world.

- George Chapman

World, Must, Shun, Trifles

Young men think old men are fools; but old men know young men are fools.

- George Chapman

Think, Young, Old Men, Young Men

We inherit nothing truly, but what our actions make us worthy of.

- George Chapman

Worthy, Nothing, Truly, Inherit

Flatterers look like friends, as wolves like dogs.

- George Chapman

Look, Dogs, Like, Wolves

Extremes, though contrary, have the like effects. Extreme heat kills, and so extreme cold: extreme love breeds satiety, and so extreme hatred; and too violent rigor tempts chastity, as does too much license.

- George Chapman

Love, Heat, Violent, Chastity

An Englishman, being flattered, is a lamb; threatened, a lion.

- George Chapman

Englishman, Flattered, Lamb

Pure innovation is more gross than error.

- George Chapman

Innovation, More, Gross, Error

Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.

- George Chapman

Always, Like, Most, Welcome

Let no man under value the price of a virtuous woman's counsel.

- George Chapman

Woman, Price, Counsel, Virtuous

I am ashamed the law is such an ass.

- George Chapman

I Am, Law, Am, Ashamed

Promise is most given when the least is said.

- George Chapman

Most, Given, Least, Promise

Ignorance is the mother of admiration.

- George Chapman

Mother, Ignorance, Admiration

They're only truly great who are truly good.

- George Chapman

Great, Only, Truly, Good

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.