Bliss Perry was an American scholar, editor, and writer whose wisdom still resonates today. His quotes on life, literature, and success offer timeless insights. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a fresh perspective, his words deliver. Here’s a collection of his best quotes, organized for easy reading.
Life Lessons from Bliss Perry
Perry had a knack for capturing life’s truths in simple words. His thoughts on living well are still relevant.
🔹 “The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there is no alloy; it lasts when all other pleasures fade.”
🔹 “Life is a great bundle of little things.”
🔹 “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”
🔹 “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
🔹 “Happiness is not a possession to be prized—it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.”
Ever notice how the simplest things bring the most joy? Perry reminds us that happiness isn’t about what we own but how we think.
Wisdom on Writing and Creativity
As a literary critic, Perry knew what made great writing. His advice is gold for writers and thinkers.
🔹 “Good writing is clear thinking made visible.”
🔹 “The secret of good writing is to say an old thing in a new way or a new thing in an old way.”
🔹 “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.”
🔹 “The greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something and tell what it saw.”
🔹 “Style is the dress of thought.”
Writing isn’t just about words—it’s about making people feel. Do your words move others?
Success and Hard Work
Perry believed in effort over luck. His quotes push you to keep going.
🔹 “The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.”
🔹 “Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance.”
🔹 “The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.”
🔹 “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
🔹 “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.”
Success isn’t handed to you—it’s earned. Are you putting in the work?
Education and Learning
Perry valued education deeply. His quotes remind us that learning never stops.
🔹 “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
🔹 “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”
🔹 “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”
🔹 “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”
🔹 “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
Learning isn’t just for school. It’s a lifelong journey. What’s the last thing you learned?
Friendship and Relationships
Perry’s thoughts on friendship are heartwarming and true.
🔹 “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
🔹 “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.”
🔹 “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.”
🔹 “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.”
🔹 “To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life.”
Real friends stick around, flaws and all. Who’s that person for you?
Final Thoughts
Bliss Perry’s quotes are packed with wisdom. Whether it’s about life, writing, or success, his words make you think. Keep these quotes close—they’re little reminders of what really matters.
Which quote stuck with you the most? Drop it in the comments! 🚀