I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself; and, perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from within and cannot be found by simply imitating others.
In this quote, Jane Austen expresses the idea that genuine happiness stems from one's own character and disposition, rather than from external means or imitating others. The speaker, while acknowledging the positive qualities of another person, recognizes that true fulfillment and happiness are not achievable without developing one's own virtues and being true to oneself.
Themes
HappinessSelf-DiscoveryCharacterRelationshipsIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about personal growth and self-awareness.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes →Nobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
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