Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA. A reclusive yet prolific poet, she crafted nearly 1,800 poems that revolutionized American literature with their innovative style, focusing on themes like nature, death, love, and the human condition. Despite limited publication during her lifetime, her work gained posthumous acclaim, influencing countless writers and earning her a place among the greatest poets. Dickinson’s quotes, sourced primarily from her poetry collections such as “The Poems of Emily Dickinson” edited by Mabel Loomis Todd and T.W. Higginson, offer timeless wisdom. This list features 15 quotes about life, drawn from her evocative verses, inviting reflection on existence’s depth and beauty.
15 Emily Dickinson Quotes
1. “Forever is composed of nows.” (Book, “Forever – is composed of Nows –,” 1890)
2. “That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.” (Book, “That it will never come again,” 1894)
3. “I dwell in Possibility – A fairer House than Prose.” (Book, “I dwell in Possibility,” 1890)
4. “Hope is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul.” (Book, “Hope is the thing with feathers,” 1891)
5. “Success is counted sweetest By those who ne’er succeed.” (Book, “Success is counted sweetest,” 1890)
6. “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?” (Book, “I’m nobody! Who are you?,” 1891)
7. “The Soul selects her own Society – Then – shuts the Door.” (Book, “The Soul selects her own Society,” 1890)
8. “A Bird came down the Walk – He did not know I saw.” (Book, “A Bird came down the Walk,” 1891)
9. “There’s a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons.” (Book, “There’s a certain Slant of light,” 1890)
10. “My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun – In Corners – till a Day.” (Book, “My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun,” 1924)
11. “I heard a Fly buzz – when I died – The Stillness in the Room.” (Book, “I heard a Fly buzz – when I died,” 1896)
12. “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant – Success in Circuit lies.” (Book, “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant,” 1914)
13. “Wild Nights – Wild Nights! Were I with thee Wild Nights should be Our luxury!” (Book, “Wild Nights – Wild Nights!,” 1891)
14. “I taste a liquor never brewed – From Tankards scooped in Pearl.” (Book, “I taste a liquor never brewed,” 1866)
15. “This is my letter to the World That never wrote to me.” (Book, “This is my letter to the World,” 1890)
These quotes illuminate Emily Dickinson’s profound insight into life’s transience, beauty, and complexities, revealing a poet who found deep meaning in the ordinary and eternal. Her words encourage us to embrace the present and contemplate our existence with wonder. What resonates with you? Share your favorite quote or thoughts in the comments below.