I couldn’t list all of the reasons I love Jane Austen if I tried! But one of the main reasons is that her witty bits of wisdom she wrote down hundreds of years ago are still just as relevant today. Here’s just a taste of some of the wise words she has for you and me:
1 “Friendship is Certainly the Finest Balm for the Pangs of Disappointed Love”
When you feel overwhelmed by the “pangs of disappointed love” your friends will always be there to comfort you. If they aren’t, they probably aren’t the best friends to have around. You should never feel embarrassed or awkward about asking for support after a break up. Set up a mandatory girls night filled with chick flicks and Ben and Jerry’s when you need to! You have Jane Austen’s approval, so what’s stopping you?
2 "One Half of the World Cannot Understand the Pleasures of the Other”
Jane could mean a lot of things here, but I generally understand it as referring to men and women. In today’s world, the divide between man and woman isn’t so stark, but it’s still often difficult for ladies and gentlemen to understand one another. Once you acknowledge that, you can make a greater effort at trying to understand the men in your life by looking at the world through their perspective.
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Austen's wit often highlights the divergent experiences and delights of the sexes. The modern lens may blur gender boundaries, yet elucidating the distinct nuances remains a complex endeavor. By consciously stepping into the shoes of another, you foster empathy and deeper connections. This intentional shift in perspective is not just about seeing but also valuing what brings joy to someone else's world. Let it guide your efforts in nurturing relationships, whether they cross the gender divide or simply the unique tapestry of individual preferences. Remember, understanding is the cornerstone of respect and harmony.
3 "There is No Charm Equal to the Tenderness of the Heart”
Beauty, grace, and gentility are all admirable traits in Miss Austen’s characters, but the characteristic she considers most important is “tenderness of the heart”. No matter how great you look on paper, how good of a first impression you make, none of that really matters if you aren’t a kind, loving person at your core. When you are trying to improve yourself, work on who you are, not what people see, first.
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Jane Austen's insights into human nature were incisive, and her emphasis on inner beauty speaks volumes centuries later. The allure of someone's spirit, their genuine compassion and empathy, have a lasting magnetism that surpasses superficial attributes. It is in the quiet moments, the gentle conversations and the selfless actions that true character shines brightest. Remember, when cultivating your personal growth, focus on nurturing a compassionate heart — it will be the most compelling feature you can possess.
4 "Let Other Pens Dwell on Guilt and Misery”
Even if you aren’t a writer, you can live by this quote. Avoid living with regrets and feeling bogged down with guilt. If you make a mistake, pick yourself up and get moving again. Likewise, try not to get distracted by the misery surrounding you. The world can be a pretty depressing place when you think about it, so, when things get overwhelming, don’t hesitate to take a break from watching or reading bad news and just enjoy your life.
5 "Think Only of the past as Its Remembrances Bring You Pleasure”
We’ve all done regrettable things—some of us far more than others. But that shouldn’t determine who you are now or how happy you are. Because we’ve all also accomplished great things and made wonderful memories! So when you think about your past, make sure you’re reminiscing about the good memories you’ve made, not anything else.
6 “Give a Girl an Education and Introduce Her Properly into the World, and Ten to One Bet She Has the Means of Settling Well, without Further Expense to Anybody.”
It doesn’t take much to make anyone successful, just an education and the right connections. So what’s stopping you? Pursue self-improvement through school and networking and soon enough you’ll be living your dream!
7 "We Have All a Better Guide in Ourselves, if We Would Attend to It, than Any Other Person Can Be.”
While guidance from others can be extremely helpful, relying on other people’s opinion isn’t always your best option. If you really know yourself and can be honest with yourself, you can make the best decisions regarding your life. Don’t be passive when it comes to making big changes in your life, trust yourself to make decisions!
If you didn’t already love Jane Austen, I hope you do now! She was so wise and clever that I can’t help but look up to her. Which of these quotes was your favorite?
