William Wycherley Quotes

Powerful William Wycherley for Daily Growth

About William Wycherley

William Wycherley (1640-1715), an English poet and dramatist, is renowned for his witty, bawdy, and satirical works that significantly influenced the Restoration theatre. Born in 1640 in Dinton, Wiltshire, he was the son of a prosperous landowner. His education began at Westminster School before moving to Queen's College, Oxford, where he did not complete his degree but gained an affinity for literature and poetry. Wycherley left Oxford without a degree, a common practice among the wealthy during that era. He then travelled through Europe, expanding his knowledge of foreign languages and cultures. Upon returning to England, Wycherley worked as a secretary for several prominent political figures, including Sir Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon. In 1672, Wycherley published "The Gentleman Dancing Master," a series of satirical verses that earned him some notoriety. However, it was his play, "The Country Wife" (1675), that cemented his reputation as a leading Restoration dramatist. This comedic masterpiece, featuring clever dialogue and a scandalous plotline, is considered one of the greatest English comedies of all time. Wycherley's later plays, including "The Plain Dealer" (1676) and "Love in a Wood" (1671), though not as successful as "The Country Wife," demonstrated his keen wit and ability to tackle complex social issues of the time. Wycherley's works were influential in shaping the course of Restoration theatre, influencing playwrights such as John Dryden and George Etherege. Despite his successes, Wycherley faced legal troubles and financial difficulties towards the end of his life. He died in 1715, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering Restoration dramatist who pushed the boundaries of comedy through his wit, satire, and provocative themes.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"You always laugh at the wrong time, and you're always serious when it's funny enough to die with laughing."

The quote suggests that the speaker often exhibits inappropriate emotions; they either laugh when a situation is not humorous or remain serious during moments that are inherently comedic. This could imply a lack of emotional intelligence, as their reactions do not align with societal expectations or the feelings of those around them. Alternatively, it might indicate a unique, eccentric personality that sees humor in unexpected places, or struggles to express appropriate emotions in traditional situations. Overall, the quote highlights an incongruity between the speaker's feelings and the expectations of others, which can lead to misunderstandings and awkward moments.

"A little sourness now and then improves the flavor of life."

This quote suggests that life, much like food or drink, benefits from a bit of "sourness" or challenge. In other words, facing difficulties and overcoming them can make our experiences more meaningful and rewarding, adding depth and richness to our lives. The "sourness" serves as a contrast to the sweetness of life's joys, making those moments even more enjoyable and appreciated.

"Wealth is not only to be rich, but to have the disposition to act as if rich, which is very different."

This quote suggests that wealth goes beyond just possessing material riches; it also involves adopting an attitude or behavior characteristic of a wealthy person. In other words, wealth is not just about having money, but also about how one spends, uses, or approaches life with the resources they have, regardless of the actual amount. This mindset of abundance and confidence in one's means can significantly impact personal satisfaction and success.

"I'd rather hear the voice of one I love, than the songs of all the birds in spring."

This quote suggests a deep affection for personal connection over natural beauty or joy. The "voice of one I love" symbolizes emotional intimacy, while the "songs of all the birds in spring" represents the beauty and happiness found in nature. Wycherley's sentiment indicates that he values human emotions more profoundly than the most enchanting scenes of nature. Essentially, the quote highlights the depth and power of personal relationships over transient beauty.

"Though we laugh at him now, we shall live to think him a wise man."

This quote suggests that sometimes people may not understand or appreciate someone's wisdom during their lifetime, but in hindsight, they come to recognize and value the insights of those individuals who were initially dismissed or laughed at. It underscores the importance of open-mindedness and the recognition that true wisdom can be found in unexpected places.

Next to the pleasure of finding a new mistress is that of being rid of an old one.

- William Wycherley

New, Next, Mistress, Old One

A mistress should be like a little country retreat near the town, not to dwell in constantly, but only for a night and away.

- William Wycherley

Country, Away, Town, Mistress

Go to your business, pleasure, whilst I go to my pleasure, business.

- William Wycherley

Business, Pleasure, Go, Whilst

Marrying to increase love is like gaming to become rich; alas, you only lose what little stock you had before.

- William Wycherley

Love, Gaming, Like, Love Is

Mistresses are like books; if you pore upon them too much, they doze you and make you unfit for company; but if used discreetly, you are the fitter for conversation by em.

- William Wycherley

Used, Like, Them, Mistresses

Women of quality are so civil, you can hardly distinguish love from good breeding.

- William Wycherley

Love, Good, Distinguish, Hardly

Your women of honor, as you call em, are only chary of their reputations, not their persons; and 'Tis scandal that they would avoid, not men.

- William Wycherley

Honor, Your, Reputations, Tis

I weigh the man, not his title; 'tis not the king's stamp can make the metal better.

- William Wycherley

Better, Weigh, His, Tis

Hunger, revenge, to sleep are petty foes, But only death the jealous eyes can close.

- William Wycherley

Sleep, Jealousy, Jealous, Petty

Bluster, sputter, question, cavil; but be sure your argument be intricate enough to confound the court.

- William Wycherley

Question, Argument, Sure, Intricate

Good fellowship and friendship are lasting, rational and manly pleasures.

- William Wycherley

Friendship, Manly, Pleasures, Rational

I have heard people eat most heartily of another man's meat, that is, what they do not pay for.

- William Wycherley

Meat, Another, Most, Heartily

Wit is more necessary than beauty; and I think no young woman ugly that has it, and no handsome woman agreeable without it.

- William Wycherley

Handsome, Think, I Think, Young Woman

Poets, like friends to whom you are in debt, you hate.

- William Wycherley

Hate, Like, Whom, Poets

He's a fool that marries, but he's a greater that does not marry a fool; what is wit in a wife good for, but to make a man a cuckold?

- William Wycherley

Wife, Fool, Does, Wit

Come, for my part I will have only those glorious, manly pleasures of being very drunk, and very slovenly.

- William Wycherley

Will, Part, Very, Slovenly

Thy books should, like thy friends, not many be, yet such wherein men may thy judgment see.

- William Wycherley

Like, May, Thy, Wherein

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