Jane Austen

I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman's inconstancy. Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman's fickleness. But perhaps you will say, these were all written by men." "Perhaps I shall. Yes, yes, if you please, no reference to examples in books. Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything.

Is not poetry the food of love?

It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does. And men take care that they should.

Everybody likes to go their own way–to choose their own time and manner of devotion.

When I fall in love, it will be forever.

I have had to contend against the unkindness of his sister, and the insolence of his mother; and have suffered the punishment of an attachment, without enjoying its advantages.

Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.

If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy.

What have wealth or grandeur to do with happiness?" Grandeur has but little," said Elinor, "but wealth has much to do with it." Elinor, for shame!" Said Marianne. "Money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it.

Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?" "For the liveliness of your mind, I did.