Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Washington Irving was an American short-story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He wrote the short stories "Rip Van Winkle" (1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), both of which appear in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and George Washington, as well as several histories of 15th-century Spain that deal with subjects such as the Alhambra, Christopher Columbus, and the Moors. Irving served as the American ambassador to Spain in the 1840s.

Quotes

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others, however humble.

Dignity
Happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven.
A father may turn his back on his child, … . but a mother's love endures through all.
A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.
A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.
A woman's whole life is a history of the affections.
...but what courage can withstand the ever-enduring and all-besetting terrors of a woman's tongue?
Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.

Wishes
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.
Ducks and geese are foolish things, and must be looked after, but girls can take care of themselves.
Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.
A tart temper never mellows with age; and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.