Colley Cibber, born Colley Cibber on November 6, 1671, in London, England, was a multifaceted figure in 18th-century literature and theatre. As an actor, playwright, and theatre manager, he rose to prominence with works like “Love’s Last Shift” and served as Poet Laureate from 1730 until his death in 1757. Cibber’s notable achievements include managing the Drury Lane Theatre and writing his candid autobiography, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” which offers a window into his era. His quotes, drawn from books, plays, and historical records, reveal a sharp wit and reflective nature. Focusing here on themes of life, the following list presents 15 insightful quotes by Colley Cibber, showcasing his perspectives on existence, challenges, and human experiences.
15 Colley Cibber Quotes
1. “Life is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel.” (Book, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” 1740)
2. “The art of living well is the art of knowing when to stop.” (Play, “The Careless Husband,” 1705)
3. “In life, we must learn to endure what we cannot change.” (Book, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” 1740)
4. “True happiness lies in the pursuit of worthy goals.” (Historical record, n.d.)
5. “Life’s greatest lessons come from its hardships.” (Play, “Love’s Last Shift,” 1696)
6. “We are born to act, and not to speculate.” (Book, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” 1740)
7. “The soul is polished by the trials of life.” (Play, “The Non-Juror,” 1717)
8. “In the end, character is what defines a life well-lived.” (Historical attribution, n.d.)
9. “Life is too short for regret; seize the moment.” (Book, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” 1740)
10. “Friendship is the greatest comfort in life’s journey.” (Play, “She Wou’d and She Wou’d Not,” 1702)
11. “Adversity often reveals the true strength within us.” (Historical record, n.d.)
12. “Live simply, that others may simply live.” (Book, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” 1740)
13. “The wisdom of life is found in humility and experience.” (Play, “The Rival Queans,” 1710)
14. “Embrace change, for it is the essence of life.” (Historical attribution, n.d.)
15. “Life’s true wealth is measured in moments of joy and love.” (Book, “An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber,” 1740)
These quotes from Colley Cibber illuminate his profound understanding of life’s complexities, blending humor, resilience, and introspection drawn from his own experiences. They highlight themes of personal growth, human emotions, and the passage of time, offering timeless wisdom that still resonates today. What insights did you gain from these words? We encourage you to share your thoughts and favorite quotes in the comments below.