Emily Dickinson was a famous American poet known for her unparalleled style and profound thoughts on life, death, and nature.
Dickinson’s quotes inspire deep reflection about life’s meaning and our experiences. Her words encourage us to pause, think, and appreciate the beauty and depth of existence.
1. “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.”
Source: This quote is from Dickinson’s poem “If I can stop one Heart from breaking,” which she wrote in 1864 and published in 1929.
Here, you see that Dickinson values kindness and compassion. She believes that if she can help someone avoid pain or sadness, her life will have purpose.
It’s a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone else’s life and that helping others is what truly matters.
2. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tunes without the words—and never stops at all.”
Source: This quote is from her poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” which was shortened and published as “VI: Hope” in 1891.
In this quote, Dickinson uses the image of a bird to describe hope. She suggests that hope lives inside you, singing quietly and continuously, even when times are tough.
It doesn’t need words; its presence alone is comforting. This quote reminds you that hope is always there, even when you can’t see it or hear it clearly.
3. “How dreary to be somebody! / How public, like a frog / To tell your name the livelong day / To an admiring bog!”
Source: This quote is from Dickinson’s poem “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” which was published in her Poems: Second Series in 1891.
Dickinson writes her thoughts on fame and being in the public eye. She uses the image of a frog croaking its name to highlight how tiresome it can be to seek attention and recognition.
Being “somebody” means constantly sharing yourself with others, which she finds dull and exhausting.
4. “Where thou art, that is home.”
Source: This quote is from Dickinson’s poem often referred to as “Where thou art, that is home,” which was released in 1929.
This saying suggests that home is not just a physical place; it’s where the people you love are. If you are with someone important to you, that’s where you feel at home.
It emphasizes the idea that home is about connection and belonging, rather than just a building or location.
5. “A Letter always feels to me like immortality because it is the mind alone without corporeal friend. Indebted in our talk to attitude and accent, there seems a spectral power in thought that walks alone.”
Source: This quote comes from one of Dickinson’s letters to Thomas Wentworth (T.W.) Higginson in June 1869.
She expresses how letters seize a person’s thoughts and feelings without needing their physical presence. She sees letters as a way to connect with someone even when they’re far away, almost like a piece of them lives on through the written word.
This suggests that ideas and emotions can be powerful enough to transcend time and space, allowing a connection that feels eternal.
6. “Forever—is composed of nows.”
Source: This quote is from Dickinson’s poem often referred to as “Forever—is composed of nows” in 1863.
Dickinson is saying that forever is made up of individual moments—what we often call “nows.” It reminds you that time is not just a long stretch of days but a series of present moments.
By focusing on the present, you can appreciate life more deeply. It’s an encouragement to live in the moment rather than just thinking about the future.
7. “We turn not older with years, but newer every day.”
Source: This quote comes from a letter Dickinson wrote in 1874.
Here, Dickinson suggests that growing older doesn’t just mean aging; it means becoming wiser and more experienced. Every day brings new opportunities for learning and growth.
This quote encourages you to see each day as a chance to renew yourself and embrace new experiences, rather than feeling weighed down by age.
8. “Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.”
Source: This quote is from a letter Dickinson wrote to T. W. Higginson on August 17, 1870.
Dickinson encourages you to seek joy in simply being alive. She believes that the experience of living itself, with all its ups and downs, is enough to bring happiness.
This reminds you to appreciate small moments and the beauty of everyday life, rather than waiting for something big to happen to feel joy.
9. “Success is counted sweetest / By those who ne’er succeed. / To comprehend a nectar / Requires sorest need.”
Source: This quote is from her poem “Success is counted sweetest” in 1859.
This poem expresses the idea that people who have never achieved success value it the most. She compares success to nectar, something sweet and desirable.
To truly understand its worth, you need to experience longing or need. This quote suggests that sometimes, not achieving what you want can help you appreciate it more when you finally do.
10. “After great pain, a formal feeling comes— / The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs.”
Source: This quote is from Emily Dickinson’s poem “After great pain, a formal feeling comes,” which was written around 1862.
She explores how people often feel after experiencing deep pain or loss. She describes a “formal feeling,” suggesting that after such intense emotions, you might feel numb or detached, almost like you’re going through the motions.
The comparison of nerves to tombs indicates a sense of stillness and heaviness as if something important has been buried.
Dickinson’s wisdom continues to inspire us to appreciate each moment and embrace the journey of life.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
