George Farquhar, born in 1677 in Derry, Ireland, was an influential Irish playwright and actor of the Restoration era. He rose to prominence in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, crafting witty comedies that satirized society, love, and human follies. His notable achievements include writing enduring plays like “The Recruiting Officer” (1706) and “The Beaux’ Stratagem” (1707), which remain staples of theater history. Farquhar’s work often explored themes of life, relationships, and social norms, blending humor with sharp insight. The quotes featured here are sourced from his plays and writings, as he lived in an era without modern interviews or social media. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes by George Farquhar that delve into aspects of life, offering timeless reflections drawn from his literary canon.
15 George Farquhar Quotes
1. “Hanging and marriage, you know, go by destiny.” (Play, “The Recruiting Officer,” 1706)
2. “I have been in love, and in debt, and in drink, this many and many a time.” (Play, “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” 1707)
3. “Wit is the most rascally, contemptible quality created by God. Most men have it a little, but few have it much.” (Play, “The Constant Couple,” 1699)
4. “The first and worst of all frauds is to cheat one’s self.” (Play, “Sir Harry Wildair,” 1701)
5. “Necessity, the mother of invention.” (Play, “Love and a Bottle,” 1698)
6. “Love’s a malady without a cure.” (Play, “The Inconstant,” 1702)
7. “Money is the god of this world, and Rothschild is his prophet.” (Play, “The Twin-Rivals,” 1702)
8. “A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying he is wiser today than he was yesterday.” (Play, “The Recruiting Officer,” 1706)
9. “Fortune, that with malicious joy, does man her slave oppress.” (Play, “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” 1707)
10. “The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.” (Play, “Sir Harry Wildair,” 1701)
11. “He who seeks for applause from without has lost the music within.” (Play, “The Constant Couple,” 1699)
12. “Life is a jest, and all things show it; I thought so once, but now I know it.” (Play, “The Recruiting Officer,” 1706)
13. “True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.” (Play, “The Inconstant,” 1702)
14. “Ambition is the grand enemy of all peace.” (Play, “Love and a Bottle,” 1698)
15. “In this world, there are only two tragedies: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” (Play, “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” 1707)
These quotes from George Farquhar’s works reveal his keen, often humorous insight into the complexities of life, highlighting themes of love, fate, and human nature with a blend of cynicism and wisdom. They showcase his ability to capture the essence of everyday struggles and joys, reminding us of life’s unpredictable beauty. What do you think of Farquhar’s perspectives? Share your favorite quote or thoughts in the comments below.