Charles Dickens is one of Britain’s greatest authors, extending his brilliance as a playwright, actor, philanthropist, speaker, social reformer, and actor. What made him stand out against the authors during his time was the theme of his works—the lives of people experiencing poverty, a topic many writers avoided or ignored before. He used his craft to stand against the issues of social injustice and corruption prevalent back then, producing emotional effects in his audience without leaving the entertaining aspect. He wasn’t just a literary celebrity. He was someone who opted to see changes in society. True enough, he deserves the title “literary colossus,” with Charles Dickens quotes on writing and words of wisdom still searched by people today.
British author, editor, illustrator, and social commentator Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth on the southern coast of England on February 7, 1812. Dickers wrote more than 14 novels, along with short stories, essays, articles, and novellas. His contribution to classic English literature encompasses not only his epic writings. It also includes how he used his craft to bring about social change.
A quintessential author, Dickens’ writing style, comprehensive depiction of his characters and story, and ability to make his novels entertaining placed him on the list of the most influential writers of the 19th century. As an accomplished performer of his craft, it’s unsurprising how people of today’s time search for Charles Dickens quotes on writing and more to draw inspiration in different aspects of life.
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Charles Dickens Quotes About Writing
Dickens used his platform to entertain readers while highlighting the social injustice and corruption during his time. His works emphasized his brilliance as a writer and his awareness of the situation of society back then. He made sure his thought-provoking fiction would reach the masses and campaign what he believed was right. For example, his 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular today—a roaring success proving his undeniable influence in writing.
If you came here to see Dickens quotes on writing, go ahead and check out the list below!
There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.
Charles Dickens
They are Man’s and they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance and this girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.
Charles Dickens
Prowling about the rooms, sitting down, getting up, stirring the fire, looking out the window, teasing my hair, sitting down to write, writing nothing, writing something and tearing it up…
Charles Dickens
It is no worse, because I write of it. It would be no better, if I stopped my most unwilling hand. Nothing can undo it; nothing can make it otherwise than as it was.
Charles Dickens
To be allowed to call her “Dora”, to write to her, to dote upon and worship her, to have reason to think that when she was with other people she was yet mindful of me, seemed to me the summit of human ambition – I am sure it was the summit of mine.
Charles Dickens
Mr. Pickwick took a seat and the paper, but instead of reading the latter, peeped over the top of it, and took a survey of the man of business, who was an elderly, pimply-faced, vegetable-diet sort of man, in a black coat, dark mixture trousers, and small black gaiters; a kind of being who seemed to be an essential part of the desk at which he was writing, and to have as much thought or sentiment.
Charles Dickens
What is natural in me, is natural in many other men, I infer, and so I am not afraid to write that I never had loved Steerforth better than when the ties that bound me to him were broken. In the keen distress of the discovery of his unworthiness, I thought more of all that was brilliant in him, I softened more towards all that was good in him, I did more justice to the qualities that might have made him a man of a noble nature and a great name, than ever I had done in the height of my devotion to him.
Charles Dickens
Take the pencil and write under my name, ‘I forgive her.
Charles Dickens
Yet, I had nothing else to tell; unless, indeed, I were to confess (which might be of less moment still), that no one can ever believe this Narrative, in the reading, more than I believed it in the writing.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens Quotes About Books
Charles Dickens’ family wasn’t at its best financially during his early age. Hence, he had to leave school to contribute to his family’s income. Despite the lack of formal education, Dickens achieved many titles, including a journalist, editor, illustrator, and writer of fiction and non-fiction articles. Dickens’ background in editing and writing paved the way for the following quotes about books.
Come and take a look at the collection below!
No one who can read, ever looks at a book, even unopened on a shelf, like one who cannot.
Charles Dickens
The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world.
Charles Dickens
When the wind is blowing and the sleet or rain is driving against the dark windows, I love to sit by the fire, thinking of what I have read in books of voyage and travel.
Charles Dickens
We never tire of the friendships we form with books.
Charles Dickens
I found Uriah reading a great fat book, with such demonstrative attention, that his lank forefinger followed up every line as he read, and made clammy tracks along the page (or so I fully believed) like a snail.
Charles Dickens
… I have read in your face, as plain as if it was a book, that but for some trouble and sorrow we should never know half the good there is about us.
Charles Dickens
We still leave unblotted in the leaves of our statute book, for the reverence and admiration of successive ages, the just and wholesome law which declares that the sturdy felon shall be fed and clothed, and that the penniless debtor shall be left to die of starvation and nakedness. This is no fiction.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens Quotes About Literature
When talking about English literature, it’s impossible not to mention Charles Dickens. Apart from his range as a prolific writer, Dickens was a proficient social critic who had a clear understanding of the shortcomings of his society through his works. He wrote 15 novels, five novellas, and many others, which he used to fearlessly speak the truth about the dark side of the world. Indeed, he is an influential spokesman and literary genius!
Are you interested to hear more about his words on literature? Here’s the list for you.
A boy’s story is the best that is ever told.
Charles Dickens
Papa, potatoes, poultry, prunes and prism, are all very good words for the lips.
Charles Dickens
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
Charles Dickens
I made a compact with myself that in my person literature should stand by itself, of itself, and for itself.
Charles Dickens
There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.
Charles Dickens
The men who learn endurance, are they who call the whole world, brother.
Charles Dickens
There are only two styles of portrait painting; the serious and the smirk.
Charles Dickens
The civility which money will purchase, is rarely extended to those who have none.
Charles Dickens
Great men are seldom over-scrupulous in the arrangement of their attire.
Charles Dickens
Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest.
Charles Dickens
Although a skillful flatterer is a most delightful companion if you have him all to yourself, his taste becomes very doubtful when he takes to complimenting other people.
Charles Dickens
There are strings in the human heart that had better not be vibrated.
Charles Dickens
Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he’s well dressed. There ain’t much credit in that.
Charles Dickens
It’s my old girl that advises. She has the head. But I never own to it before her. Discipline must be maintained.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens Motivational Quotes
Whether it’s about writing or other aspects of life, many of us find ourselves falling into a pit of dullness or demotivation. It’s impossible to know if Dickens felt the same way before. However, he managed to speak some words that today’s generation can find motivating. It only proves that his influence branches out of writing or literature: it extends beyond that.
Here is a list of Charles Dickens’ motivation quotes.
The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’ Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.
Charles Dickens
I never could have done what I have done without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time.
Charles Dickens
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens Quotes About Wisdom
Dickens’ lack of formal education did not stop him from writing or speaking words of wisdom. His life wasn’t at its best, neither was the society during his time. However, he used whatever skill he had to campaign for what he believed was right. Everyone faces different troubles or struggles, so the following list of Dickens’ quotes will come in handy just when you need it.
Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There’s no better rule.
Charles Dickens
A loving heart is the truest wisdom.
Charles Dickens
There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.
Charles Dickens
Many people regard British author Charles Dickens as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. He used his skill wisely, making his work powerfully evocative. He strove to bring an emotional effect to his audience, talking about societal issues with no fear. His works appealed to man, which enabled his fame to spread worldwide with ease, even reaching the era we live in today. Apart from his accomplishments and active involvement in his world, Charles Dickens quotes on writing and other topics will continue to live for future generations to learn and explore.
Need more inspiration on writing other than these quotes of Charles Dickens? Check out our collection of quotes on writing from other authors here.
