George Herbert? Anonymous?
Question for Quote Investigator: Many have suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The following adage suggests that one should persevere to achieve success and enjoyment:
Living well is the best revenge.
Would you please explore the provence of this remark?
Reply from Quote Investigator: In 1640 George Herbert’s compilation of “Outlandish Proverbs” appeared in London. Here is a small miscellaneous selection of expressions from the book:1
Man Proposeth, God disposeth.
Living well is the best revenge.
Poverty is no sinne.
Hee begins to die, that quits his desires.
Every one is a master and servant.
He that trusts in a lie, shall perish in truth.
Image Notes: Mansion adjacent to water from psaudio at Pixabay.
Update History: On January 13, 2025 the format of the bibliographical notes was updated and the entry was rewritten.
- 1640, Outlandish Proverbs, Selected by Mr. G. H. (George Herbert), Proverb Number 524, Printed by T. P. (T. Paine) for Humphrey Blunden; at the Castle in Corn-hill, London. (Early English Books Online) ↩︎