Richard Blackmore Quotes

Powerful Richard Blackmore for Daily Growth

About Richard Blackmore

Richard Blackmore (1654-1729), an English novelist and poet, is most renowned for his historical romances set against the backdrop of the Crusades. Born on May 23, 1654, in Exeter, Devon, he was the son of a barrister who instilled a love for literature and learning in him from an early age. Blackmore attended Exeter College, Oxford, where his literary talents flourished. His first published work was a collection of pastorals entitled 'Jovi-Panegyrica' (1671), but it was his epic poem 'Prince Arthur: An Heroic Poem' (1695) that brought him initial fame and recognition. In 1684, Blackmore left Oxford to pursue a career in the Church, but he never took holy orders. Instead, he devoted himself fully to writing. His magnum opus, 'The Knight of the Burning Pestle' (1693), is a satirical comedy that pokes fun at the theatrical world and remains popular today. However, Blackmore is best known for his four-volume historical romance 'Richard Duke of York' (1714-1718), set during the Wars of the Roses. This intricate narrative, filled with adventure, romance, and political intrigue, was a massive success and established him as one of England's leading novelists. His other notable works include 'Anarchy and George' (1695) and 'The Travell'd Harpist' (1704). Blackmore died on August 23, 1729, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to be appreciated for its wit, humor, and historical detail. Despite being overshadowed by contemporary authors like Swift and Defoe, Richard Blackmore's contribution to English literature remains significant and influential.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."

This quote implies that wise individuals only share thoughts or insights when they have valuable information, whereas foolish people feel compelled to talk even if they don't have anything meaningful to contribute. In other words, the wise use their speech wisely, while fools may speak without thinking or considering the impact of their words.


"The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances."

The quote highlights that a significant portion of an individual's happiness or unhappiness stems from their internal disposition rather than external circumstances. It suggests that while situations do matter, it is more important to cultivate positive attitudes and mindsets to foster overall well-being and contentment. In other words, our capacity for joy or sorrow often depends less on what happens to us in life and more on how we respond to those events.


"He that cannot bear a brain, let him love a heart."

This quote suggests that if one is not inclined towards intellectual pursuits or complex thought processes (represented by "a brain"), they should instead find solace in emotions and feelings (symbolized by "a heart"). In other words, the quote implies that every person has unique strengths and preferences; for those who struggle with abstract thinking, emotional connections might be a more meaningful avenue to build relationships.


"The first taste is with the eyes."

Richard Blackmore's quote, "The first taste is with the eyes," emphasizes that our perception of food or any sensory experience begins visually. It highlights the significance of visual appeal in setting our expectations for what we will taste and smell, and thus influencing our overall enjoyment of a dish. In other words, before we savor a meal, we are already tasting it with our eyes.


"We may easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."

This quote highlights the human capacity to fear, even in the face of understanding or enlightenment. The "dark" symbolizes ignorance or uncertainty, while the "light" represents knowledge or truth. Richard Blackmore suggests that it is more tragic when adults continue to fear the unknown or refuse to seek knowledge, than a child who is naturally apprehensive of unfamiliar circumstances. In essence, he encourages personal growth and courage in seeking understanding and truth.


The mare set off for home with the speed of a swallow, and going as smoothly and silently. I never had dreamed of such a motion, fluent and graceful, and ambient, soft as the breeze flitting over the flowers, but swift as the summer lightening.

- Richard Blackmore

Had, Flitting, Ambient, Graceful

You own a watch the invention of the mind, though for a single motion 'tis designed, as well as that which is with greater thought with various springs, for various motions wrought.

- Richard Blackmore

Mind, Which, Though, Wrought

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