Charlotte Perkins Gilman, born on July 3, 1860, in Hartford, Connecticut, was a pioneering American author, feminist, and social reformer. Her career highlights include writing the influential short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” which exposed the horrors of women’s mental health treatment, and publishing books like “Women and Economics,” where she advocated for gender equality and economic independence. Gilman’s notable achievements encompass her role as a lecturer, writer, and activist, shaping early feminist thought and social change. Quotes featured here are sourced from her books, essays, autobiographies, and attributed statements, focusing on themes of life such as purpose, growth, and societal roles. In this collection, we present 15 insightful quotes by Charlotte Perkins Gilman that offer wisdom on life’s journey.
15 Charlotte Perkins Gilman Quotes
1. “Life is a verb, not a noun.” (Attributed, n.d.)
2. “The first thing to do in life is to do the thing you dread.” (Book, “The Living of Charlotte Perkins Gilman,” 1935)
3. “Human life as we have it is only the raw material, and God be thanked that it is so unfinished.” (Book, “Concerning Children,” 1900)
4. “Life is too short to be little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses himself with frankness and with fervor.” (Attributed, n.d.)
5. “We are not born for ourselves alone, but for our kind.” (Book, “Women and Economics,” 1898)
6. “The great purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate.” (Attributed, n.d.)
7. “Life is a great surprise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one.” (Autobiography, “The Living of Charlotte Perkins Gilman,” 1935)
8. “In the real world, life is full of chances and changes, and the wise man takes as many as he can; but they won’t always turn up in black and white.” (Book, “The Man-Made World,” 1911)
9. “To live is to function, and that is all there is in living.” (Book, “Human Work,” 1904)
10. “Life without endeavor is like entering a jewel mine and coming out with empty pockets.” (Attributed, n.d.)
11. “The only thing that ever consoles man for the stupid things he does is the praise he always gives himself for doing them.” (Book, “His Religion and Hers,” 1923)
12. “Life is a constant process of adjustment.” (Essay, “The Home,” 1903)
13. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” (Attributed, n.d.)
14. “The joy of life is in the doing, not in the having.” (Book, “Women and Economics,” 1898)
15. “Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” (Attributed, n.d.)
These quotes from Charlotte Perkins Gilman reveal her deep insight into life’s challenges and opportunities, emphasizing themes of personal agency, social responsibility, and resilience. They showcase her reflective spirit, encouraging a proactive approach to existence and highlighting the interplay between individual growth and collective progress. What resonates with you? Share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below to continue the conversation.