Jeremy Collier Quotes

Powerful Jeremy Collier for Daily Growth

About Jeremy Collier

Jeremy Collier, an influential Anglican clergyman and critic of the Restoration stage, was born on June 15, 1650, in London, England. He attended Westminster School before studying at Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated in 1670. After his academic studies, Collier embarked on a career as a clergyman within the Church of England. Collier's early life was marked by a deep religious piety and a keen interest in literature and drama. These dual passions led him to become a vocal critic of the contemporary stage during the Restoration period, when libertine attitudes and explicit content dominated English theater. In 1698, Collier published his most famous work, "A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage; With some Reflections upon those who Frequent it." This scathing critique attacked leading playwrights such as John Dryden, William Wycherley, and Aphra Behn for their immoral and profane works. The publication caused a significant stir in the literary world and sparked heated debates about the role of theater and its influence on society. Despite his controversial views, Collier's work had a lasting impact on the English stage. His criticisms led to increased censorship and stricter moral standards for plays. Collier's influence extended beyond theater as well; he is credited with helping to establish the principles of the Church of England's High Church party, which emphasized the liturgical richness and sacramental practices of the Anglican faith. Jeremy Collier died on April 25, 1726, in London. His legacy continues as an important figure in the history of English literature and the Church of England, with his works still studied today for their insights into the cultural and religious climate of the Restoration period.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The first and best victory is to conquer self."

This quote by Jeremy Collier emphasizes that mastering one's own self is the most significant and valuable victory in life. It suggests that personal growth, self-discipline, and inner peace are crucial prerequisites for achieving success in any other area of life. By conquering negative emotions, habits, and impulses within ourselves, we create a solid foundation for positive change and meaningful progress.

"Virtue is its own reward; vice its own punishment."

This quote implies that living virtuously, or in alignment with moral principles, brings intrinsic satisfaction and fulfillment, while engaging in immoral or unethical behavior carries its own negative consequences. Essentially, the message is that one reaps what they sow, and good actions lead to good outcomes, while bad actions result in undesirable circumstances. This serves as a reminder that personal choices impact our lives, and it's beneficial to strive for virtuous living to experience the rewards of a well-lived life.

"He that lives upon hope will die fasting."

The quote "He that lives upon hope will die fasting" by Jeremy Collier emphasizes the dangers of excessive reliance on future expectations or promises, at the expense of taking immediate action. It suggests that those who wait idly for things to happen may find themselves in a state of spiritual starvation or emotional desolation because they fail to live fully and productively in the present moment. In other words, living only on hope can lead to a lack of fulfillment or nourishment, as one's needs are not being met in reality. To avoid this, it is important to find ways to act on our hopes and turn them into tangible accomplishments, rather than just waiting for good fortune to come our way.

"We are all of us born in original sin, and the first step towards holiness is to know ourselves as we are."

This quote emphasizes that human nature is inherently flawed (original sin) and acknowledging our imperfections (knowing ourselves as we are) is a vital first step towards spiritual growth and holiness. It encourages self-awareness and humility, acknowledging that personal development requires understanding one's own shortcomings before striving for moral improvement.

"A good conscience is a continual feast."

This quote suggests that having a clear, untroubled conscience brings constant inner peace, contentment, and satisfaction – much like enjoying a continuous, delightful feast. It implies that living ethically, acting with integrity, and adhering to moral principles provides personal fulfillment and spiritual nourishment.

Books support us in our solitude and keep us from being a burden to ourselves.

- Jeremy Collier

Keep, Books, Being, Solitude

Perpetual pushing and assurance put a difficulty out of countenance and make a seeming difficulty gives way.

- Jeremy Collier

Difficulty, Seeming, Assurance

True courage is a result of reasoning. A brave mind is always impregnable.

- Jeremy Collier

Mind, Result, Always, True Courage

A brave mind is always impregnable.

- Jeremy Collier

Mind, Always, Brave

Everyone has a fair turn to be as great as he pleases.

- Jeremy Collier

Fair, Turn, Everyone, Pleases

Learning gives us a fuller conviction of the imperfections of our nature; which one would think, might dispose us to modesty.

- Jeremy Collier

Nature, Think, Which, Modesty

Knowledge is the consequence of time, and multitude of days are fittest to teach wisdom.

- Jeremy Collier

Teach, Consequence, Fittest, Multitude

In civilized life, where the happiness and indeed almost the existence of man, depends on the opinion of his fellow men. He is constantly acting a studied part.

- Jeremy Collier

Depends, Civilized, Almost, Fellow

Idleness is an inlet to disorder, and makes way for licentiousness. People who have nothing to do are quickly tired of their own company.

- Jeremy Collier

Own, Nothing, Quickly, Idleness

I used to walk to school with my nose buried in a book.

- Jeremy Collier

Book, School, Nose, Buried

People who have nothing to do are quickly tired of their own company.

- Jeremy Collier

Own, Nothing, Quickly, Tired

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