Charles Caleb Colton, born on October 4, 1780, in Linslade, Buckinghamshire, England, was a distinguished English cleric, writer, and collector known for his sharp wit and philosophical insights. His most notable achievement is the publication of “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words” in 1820, a collection of aphorisms that has endured as a source of timeless wisdom. Colton’s career also included roles in the church and contributions to literature, where he explored themes of human nature and society. His quotes, primarily sourced from his books like “Lacon,” offer profound reflections on life. In this list, we present 15 insightful quotes by Charles Caleb Colton about life, drawn from his writings to inspire contemplation.
15 Charles Caleb Colton Quotes
1. “Men will wrangle for religion; write for it; fight for it; die for it; anything but—live for it.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
2. “True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
3. “Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
4. “The present time has one advantage over every other—it is our own.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
5. “Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
6. “Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty; it is a blessing that must be earned before it can be enjoyed.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
7. “He that has never known adversity is but half acquainted with others or with himself.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
8. “Men are born with two eyes, but only one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
9. “The firmest friendships have been formed in mutual adversity, as iron is most strongly united by the fiercest flame.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
10. “Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
11. “Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
12. “Knowledge is two-fold, and consists not only in an affirmation of what is true, but in a denial of that which is false.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
13. “The excess of our youth are checks written against our age, and they are payable with interest thirty years after date.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
14. “True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
15. “Life is a progress from want to want, not from enjoyment to enjoyment.” (Book, “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words,” 1820)
Charles Caleb Colton’s quotes about life offer a window into his thoughtful perspective, highlighting the complexities of human existence, the value of experience, and the pursuit of wisdom. They encourage readers to reflect on personal growth, relationships, and the inevitable challenges we face, reminding us that life’s true depth comes from introspection and resilience. Overall, these aphorisms reveal a man deeply attuned to the human condition. What insights do these quotes spark for you? Share your favorite or how they apply to your life in the comments below.