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Wilkie Collins Quotes

Powerful Wilkie Collins for Daily Growth

About Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins (1838-1896), a British Victorian writer and pioneer in the mystery and suspense genres, was born on January 8, 1838, in London, England. His father, William Collins, was a prominent landscape painter, while his mother, Harriet Collins, née Wilkie, was an accomplished pianist and singer. Collins's upbringing was significant in shaping his literary career. He was educated at home by private tutors, where he developed a love for literature that grew alongside his passion for art, music, and drama. This eclectic interest would later influence the diverse themes and styles of his works. In 1852, Collins suffered from a mysterious illness that left him with partial paralysis in his right arm, a condition he never fully recovered from. However, this adversity did not deter him from pursuing his literary aspirations. In fact, it served as a catalyst for his career, as the experience provided fodder for his writing and instilled in him an empathy for characters facing physical or emotional challenges. Collins published his first work, "Memoirs of the Life of Harriet Frean," in 1853, while still a teenager. However, it was his second novel, "The Dead Secret" (1857), that brought him recognition. His breakthrough came with "The Woman in White" (1860), a romantic mystery novel co-written with Charles Dickens, which is considered one of the first modern English epistolary novels and a classic example of Collins's signature style. Other notable works include "No Name" (1862), "The Moonstone" (1868), and "Arthur O'Leary" (1873). Collins's novels often explore themes of social justice, moral ambiguity, and psychological complexity, making them ahead of their time in terms of narrative structure and character development. Collins died on September 23, 1896, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to be celebrated for its innovation, complexity, and enduring appeal.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The truth is a snare: you cannot have it open and expect to trap no game."

This quote emphasizes that seeking or revealing the truth inevitably has consequences, often unintended ones. The phrase "truth is a snare" suggests that truth can ensnare or trap people, as it can expose secrets, challenge beliefs, or lead to negative outcomes. The warning is against naively expecting that seeking the truth will always be beneficial or harmless, as it may inadvertently bring about unwanted consequences. In essence, Collins is cautioning us to consider the potential repercussions when pursuing the truth.

"No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session."

This quote by Wilkie Collins suggests that when a legislative body is active, individual rights such as life, liberty, and property may be at risk due to potentially arbitrary or excessive laws passed during this period. It implies a concern about government overreach and the potential for legislation to infringe upon personal freedoms.

"Life is not long enough for us all to have a right to everything we wish; but that does not prove that we should have nothing of what we like."

This quote by Wilkie Collins suggests that it's impossible for everyone to experience or acquire everything they desire in life due to its finite nature. However, this observation doesn't mean that individuals should be deprived of enjoying things they find pleasure in. It implies a balance between recognizing the limitations and still making the most out of one's life by cherishing what brings joy.

"We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection. Wilkie Collins suggests that each individual has an innate inner compass or guide - their own intuition, feelings, and experiences - which is more reliable than external guidance. By paying attention to oneself, one can make better decisions and navigate life's journey effectively. Essentially, the quote encourages trusting one's instincts and learning from personal insights.

"Secrets are like seeds hidden in the heart of flowers. The longer they are kept, the more they grow, and the larger they blossom when disclosed."

This quote by Wilkie Collins suggests that secrets, if left undisclosed, have a tendency to grow and expand over time. When eventually revealed, they can become significant or even overwhelming due to their accumulated weight and complexity. It's a reminder of the power of silence in nurturing hidden aspects of our lives and relationships, but also of the potential consequences when those secrets are finally exposed.

The horrid mystery hanging over us in this house gets into my head like liquor, and makes me wild.

- Wilkie Collins

Over, Like, Makes, Liquor

Well may your heart believe the truths I tell; 'Tis virtue makes the bliss, where'er we dwell.

- Wilkie Collins

Tell, May, Truths, Tis

I have always maintained that the one important phenomenon presented by modern society is - the enormous prosperity of Fools.

- Wilkie Collins

Always, Phenomenon, Enormous, Maintained

I am not against hasty marriages where a mutual flame is fanned by an adequate income.

- Wilkie Collins

Income, Mutual, Marriages, Flame

The law will argue any thing, with any body who will pay the law for the use of its brains and its time.

- Wilkie Collins

Law, Will, Brains, Argue

This is the story of what a Woman's patience can endure, and what a Man's resolution can achieve.

- Wilkie Collins

Patience, Woman, Achieve, Endure

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