Jane Austen Quotes on Wisdom & Knowledge (12 Quotes)

I would much rather have been merry than wise.

It would be most right, and most wise, and, therefore must involve least suffering.

She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.

Angry people are not always wise.

I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding- certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of other so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.

I have not the pleasure of understanding you.

Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it. It was then disclosed in the following manner. Observing his second daughter employed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her with:

She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both: by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved; and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.

Everything united in her good understanding, correct opinions, knowledge of the world and a warm heart

She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.

. . . provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them, provided they were all story and no reflection, she had never any objection to books at all.

Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise.