Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach Quotes

Powerful Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach for Daily Growth

About Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) was an Austrian novelist, short story writer, and playwright who significantly contributed to the development of German literature in the 19th century. Born on November 27, 1830, in Vienna as Johanna Marie von Ebner, she was a product of her affluent family's cultural milieu. Her father was a highly respected lawyer and her mother, a talented painter and musician. This artistic environment laid the foundation for Ebner-Eschenbach's literary career. At the age of 18, Marie married the older Baron Moritz von Ebner-Eschenbach, whose military career often required them to relocate. These frequent moves allowed her to immerse herself in various local cultures and experiences, which later influenced her richly diverse writing. Despite the social expectations for women of her time to focus on domestic matters, Marie began writing at a young age and found success in her 30s with her first novel "Das Weib" (The Woman), published anonymously in 1864. This novel critiqued gender roles and became a scandal due to its bold portrayal of a woman's desire for independence. Ebner-Eschenbach continued writing prolifically, producing works such as "Der Verschollene" (The Lost One) in 1875, a novel that explored the emotional turmoil and isolation caused by unrequited love, and "Die Mutter" (The Mother), a collection of short stories published between 1879 and 1882. These works demonstrated her deep understanding of human nature and earned her widespread recognition in Europe. Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach's life was marked by personal tragedy, including the death of her husband and children. However, these hardships did not deter her from writing, and she continued to produce works that resonated with readers long after her death on February 15, 1916. Her enduring legacy lies in her exploration of complex emotions and her insightful portrayal of women's experiences, making her a significant figure in German literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing those you hold well."

This quote suggests that success in life isn't about having the best resources or opportunities (good cards), but rather about how effectively we utilize what we have been given (playing those cards well). It underscores the importance of skills, character, resilience, and decision-making abilities in shaping our outcomes, regardless of the circumstances or advantages that life presents us with.


"Real love consists in being able to say to someone: 'Let's be patient, let everything unfold according to its own course.' "

This quote emphasizes patience and trust in relationships, suggesting that true love allows the natural progression of events without undue interference or expectation. It encourages partners to give each other space for growth, understanding, and mutual development, rather than forcing or rushing things based on personal desires or timelines.


"The greatest sorrow is not to live according to one's own will."

This quote by Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach emphasizes the profound sorrow that arises when a person is unable to live in accordance with their authentic desires, values, or identity. It suggests that living a life that doesn't align with one's personal will can lead to an overwhelming sense of regret, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness. The quote underscores the importance of self-awareness, self-expression, and following one's true path in life, as it is a key factor for overall wellbeing and contentment.


"Never do what you can tell others how to do."

This quote suggests self-reliance, personal responsibility, and leadership by example. In essence, if one can demonstrate a skill or behavior, they have the authority to guide others on its execution. It emphasizes that true influence comes from actions rather than words alone.


"Time is a great healer, but it heals the worst wounds with the greatest scars."

This quote emphasizes that time can help alleviate pain and heal emotional wounds, yet it often leaves behind indelible scars as reminders of past suffering or loss. While healing may come gradually over time, the memories and impacts of significant traumas are usually long-lasting, reminding us of our experiences and shaping our future perspectives.


The poor man wishes to conceal his poverty, and the rich man his wealth: the former fears lest he be despised, the latter lest he be plundered.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Wealth, Conceal, Lest, Despised

Parents forgive their children least readily for the faults they themselves instilled in them.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Children, Parenting, Readily, Instilled

Authors from whom others steal should not complain, but rejoice. Where there is no game there are no poachers.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Game, Steal, Whom, Authors

If you have one good idea, people will lend you twenty.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Business, Will, Idea, Twenty

So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Fashion, Date, Soon, Universal

We don't believe in rheumatism and true love until after the first attack.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Love, True, Attack, True Love

He who believes in freedom of the will has never loved and never hated.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Freedom, Never, Believes, Hated

Exceptions are not always the proof of the old rule; they can also be the harbinger of a new one.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

New, Old, Always, Exceptions

Imaginary evils are incurable.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Incurable, Evils, Imaginary

We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don't care for.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Vain, Even, Those, Care

Those who understand only what can be explained understand very little.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Understand, Only, Very, Explained

Not what we experience, but how we perceive what we experience, determines our fate.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Fate, How, Determines, Perceive

Whenever two good people argue over principles, they are both right.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Principles, Over, Whenever, Both

What delights us in visible beauty is the invisible.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Beauty, Invisible, Delights, Visible

None are so eager to gain new experience as those who don't know how to make use of the old ones.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

New, Old, Use, Eager

Privilege is the greatest enemy of right.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Enemy, Privilege, Right, Greatest

To be content with little is hard; to be content with much, impossible.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Impossible, Hard, Much, Content

In youth we learn; in age we understand.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Learning, Youth, Learn, Understand

Conquer, but don't triumph.

- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Triumph, Conquer

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