Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Noel Coward (English Dramatist, Actor)

Noël Coward (1899–1973,) fully Sir Noël Peirce Coward, was a British playwright, composer, actor, and director. One of the most influential figures in 20th-century theater and entertainment, he was well-known for his sharp satiric humor, sophistication, and undeniable charm.

Born in Teddington, Middlesex, England, Coward embarked on his journey as a performer at 12. The 1920s marked his breakthrough with acclaimed plays like The Vortex (1924) and Hay Fever (1925,) brilliantly showcasing his wit and satirical observations of British society. Throughout his career, he penned more than 50 plays, which included more timeless classics, Private Lives (1930,) Blithe Spirit (1941,) This Happy Breed (1943,) and Nude With Violin (1956,) that continue to be performed to this day.

Coward also possessed a gift for singing and composed music for the majority of his works. Notable musical contributions include his operetta Bitter Sweet (1929,) the score for his play Cavalcade (1931,) and a series of revues like Words and Music (1932) (with its renowned piece ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen,’) This Year of Grace (1928,) and Sigh No More (1945.) Furthermore, Coward took on the role of producer for several films based on his own scripts, such as In Which We Serve (1942,) Blithe Spirit (1945,) and Brief Encounter (1945.) He also authored two autobiographies, Present Indicative (1937) and Future Indefinite (1954.)

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Noel Coward

Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Wit, Humor

Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Music

That strange feeling we had in the war. Have you found anything in your lives since to equal it in strength? A sort of splendid carelessness it was, holding us together.
—Noel Coward
Topics: War

I have a memory like an elephant. In fact, elephants often consult me.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Memory

The air is like a draught of wine. The undertaker cleans his sign, The Hull express goes off the line, When it is raspberry time in Runcorn.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Wine

Television is for appearing on – not for looking at.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Television

My importance to the world is relatively small. On the other hand, my importance to myself is tremendous. I am all I have to work with, to play with, to suffer and to enjoy. It is not the eyes of others that I am wary of, but of my own. I do not intend to let myself down more than I can possibly help, and I find that the fewer illusions I have about myself or the world around me, the better company I am for myself.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Worth, Realization, Awareness, Acceptance

I’ve sometimes thought of marrying, and then I’ve thought again.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Marriage

My advice about acting? Speak clearly, don’t bump into people, and if you must have motivation, think of your pay packet on Friday.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Simplicity, Motivation

Work is more fun than fun.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Work

I have always paid income tax. I object only when it reaches a stage when I am threatened with having nothing left for my old age—which is due to start next Tuesday or Wednesday.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Taxes, Taxation

It’s discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Honesty, Integrity

I love criticism just so long as it’s unqualified praise.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Criticism, Praise

Work is much more fun than fun.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Fun, Work

The higher the buildings, the lower the morals.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Morals, Morality

I don’t believe in astrology. The only stars I can blame for my failures are those that walk about the stage.
—Noel Coward

There’s always something fishy about the French.
—Noel Coward
Topics: Nation, Nationalism, Nations, Nationality

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