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Margaret Oliphant Quotes

Powerful Margaret Oliphant for Daily Growth

About Margaret Oliphant

Margaret Oliphant (1828-1897), a prolific Scottish writer and literary critic, was born as Margaret Wilson on November 30, 1828, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Raised by her grandmother after her mother's death when she was only four, Margaret displayed an early aptitude for storytelling and reading. Her formal education was minimal due to societal expectations of women in the Victorian era, but she was self-taught, reading voraciously from her family's extensive library. Margaret married Rev. Alexander Oliphant in 1850. The couple had four children together, but their marriage was marked by emotional distance and financial difficulties due to Alexander's poor health and inability to support the family adequately. Margaret began writing to alleviate the family's financial struggles, contributing to various periodicals under male pseudonyms. In 1859, her first novel, "The Warden Hard-Stafford," was published under the pseudonym Charles A. Murray. This began a long and successful career in writing that spanned over four decades. Margaret is best known for her novels set in rural Scotland, including "Miss Marjoribanks" (1867) and "Kirsteen" (1862). Her works often explored social issues of the day, such as women's roles, education, and class dynamics. Margaret's writing gained recognition and critical acclaim, earning her a place among the foremost writers of Victorian literature. Despite her achievements, she remained relatively unknown to modern readers due to her decision to publish under male pseudonyms. Margaret Oliphant died on October 18, 1897, in London, leaving behind an impressive body of work that continues to be enjoyed and studied today. Quotes Attributed to Margaret Oliphant: 1. "A man's character may sometimes be inferred from the company he keeps; but a woman's is more safely judged by her absence from the company she ought to keep." 2. "Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for something which you really wish to do, and nine times out of ten, what you want to do is something that nobody has ever done before." 3. "There are some people who see things as they are, and ask why; I dream things that never were, and ask why not."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"For a woman, it is a great thing to be occupied with something greater than herself."

This quote by Margaret Oliphant suggests that women find fulfillment and purpose when they engage in endeavors that transcend their personal self, extending beyond individual interests or desires. It emphasizes the importance of women participating in activities that are meaningful and significant, contributing to a greater cause or ideal. In essence, this quote highlights the empowering nature of dedicating oneself to something larger than one's own existence.

"The greatest gift of all is patience."

Margaret Oliphant's quote, "The greatest gift of all is patience," emphasizes the profound value of patience in navigating life's complexities. In essence, it signifies that the ability to wait, endure, and tolerate without becoming frustrated or upset is a rare and valuable trait. It encourages us to recognize that change often occurs slowly, and true growth requires time and perseverance. Patience can help us manage our emotions effectively, foster empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, ultimately leading to personal and interpersonal growth.

"Every new year is the absolutely perfect time to resume control of your life and mastery of every aspect of your being."

This quote emphasizes that a fresh start, like the beginning of a new year, provides an opportunity for individuals to take charge of their lives and strive towards self-improvement in all aspects. It encourages personal growth, self-discipline, and a proactive approach to managing one's life and well-being.

"In this world, as everywhere else, it is necessary to believe before you can understand."

This quote by Margaret Oliphant suggests that understanding often follows belief. In other words, we must first accept or trust something (believe) before we can truly grasp its complexities or make sense of it (understand). This idea applies to various aspects of life, including personal beliefs, learning new skills, or comprehending abstract concepts. However, it's essential to remember that this doesn't mean blindly accepting things without questioning; rather, it implies having faith and openness before delving deeper for a more profound understanding.

"The worst thing that can happen to a man is to have his character attacked."

This quote emphasizes the significant impact and pain that comes from having one's moral integrity, honesty, or character questioned or maligned. A person's character represents their values, principles, and the sum total of their actions; it is a reflection of who they are at their core. Attacking someone's character can cause deep emotional harm as it challenges their identity and self-worth. It can feel more damaging than attacks on other aspects of one's life because it strikes at the heart of who they believe themselves to be.

To have a man who can flirt is next thing to indispensable to a leader of society.

- Margaret Oliphant

Leader, Society, Next, Flirt

As for pictures and museums, that don't trouble me. The worst of going abroad is that you've always got to look at things of that sort. To have to do it at home would be beyond a joke.

- Margaret Oliphant

Always, Going, Abroad, Joke

Temptations come, as a general rule, when they are sought.

- Margaret Oliphant

Rule, General, Temptations, General Rule

Oh, never mind the fashion. When one has a style of one's own, it is always twenty times better.

- Margaret Oliphant

Never, Better, Always, Twenty

For everybody knows that it requires very little to satisfy the gentlemen, if a woman will only give her mind to it.

- Margaret Oliphant

Mind, Give, Very, Gentlemen

What happiness is there which is not purchased with more or less of pain?

- Margaret Oliphant

Pain, Which, More Or Less, Purchased

It has been my fate in a long life of production to be credited chiefly with the equivocal virtue of industry, a quality so excellent in morals, so little satisfactory in art.

- Margaret Oliphant

Art, Long Life, Been, Chiefly

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