Dorothy Parker

Poet, Writer, Critic

Dorothy Parker was a renowned American poet, critic, and satirist known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary on love and society.

Born
August 22, 1893
Died
June 7, 1967
Quotes
316
Rank
#427

About Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker — Life and Legacy

Dorothy Parker was a prominent American writer and critic, celebrated for her sharp wit and incisive social commentary. Her work, particularly in the literary magazine The New Yorker, showcased her unique ability to blend humor with poignant observations about love and relationships. Parker's quotes often reflect her complex views on human nature, as seen in her famous line, 'Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses,' which critiques societal beauty standards while highlighting her characteristic humor. Parker's writing delves into the contradictions of love and desire, often revealing the emotional struggles that accompany romantic relationships. For instance, her assertion that 'I can't write without a reader' emphasizes her belief in the collaborative nature of writing, where the audience plays a crucial role in the creative process. This perspective not only showcases her literary prowess but also her understanding of the human experience. Today, Parker's quotes resonate with readers for their emotional depth and intellectual sharpness. Her ability to articulate the complexities of love and societal expectations continues to influence writers and thinkers, making her insights relevant in contemporary discussions about relationships and identity.

Quote collection

Dorothy Parker quotes (page 1 of 16)

316 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Dorothy Parker Poet, Writer, Critic
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"Of course I talk to myself. I like a good speaker, and I appreciate an intelligent audience."

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Dorothy Parker Poet, Writer, Critic
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"The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue."

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"The only dependable law of life - everything is always worse than you thought it was going to be."

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"Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye."

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"I like to have a martini/Two at the very most/After three I'm under the table/After four I'm under my host."

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"Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician."

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Dorothy Parker Poet, Writer, Critic
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"Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses."

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Dorothy Parker Poet, Writer, Critic
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"If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second-greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first-greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they're happy."

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"Never throw mud: you can miss the target, but your hands will remain dirty."

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"If you want to know what God thinks about money, just look at the people He gives it to."

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"Years are only garments, and you either wear them with style all your life, or else you go dowdy to the grave."

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"Lady, lady, never start Conversation toward your heart; Keep your pretty words serene; Never murmur what you mean. Show yourself, by word and look, Swift and shallow as a brook. Be as cool and quick to go As a drop of April snow; Be as delicate and gay As a cherry flower in May. Lady, lady, never speak Of the tears that burn your cheek- She will never win him, whose Words had shown she feared to lose. Be you wise and never sad, You will get your lovely lad. Never serious be, nor true, And your wish will come to you- And if that makes you happy, kid, You'll be the first it ever did."

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"If you wear a short enough skirt, the party will come to you."

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"You can't teach an old dogma new tricks."

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"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

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Dorothy Parker Poet, Writer, Critic
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"I'm not a writer with a drinking problem, I'm a drinker with a writing problem."

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"Q: What's the difference between an enzyme and a hormone? A: You can't hear an enzyme."

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