Benjamin Jonson, popularly known as Ben Jonson, was a 17th century English literary critic, playwright, poet and actor. It is believed that he had a profound influence on the evolution of comedies and poetry in his country. He studied at Westminster School and could have studied at University of Cambridge, but he had to take up a bricklaying apprenticeship with his step-father. After serving the English Army at Flanders, he embarked on a literary career and started off by writing plays for the troupe company Admiral’s Men. Some of his most well-known works include ‘Bartholomew Fair’, ‘Volpone, or The Fox’, ‘Every Man in His Humour’ and ‘The Alchemist’ among other. Jonson became an extremely popular playwright in England and also earned the patronage of King James I of England, which further boosted his popularity. He was a contemporary of the great William Shakespeare and it is claimed that Jonson was second only to Shakespeare in terms of popularity. Needless to say, Jonson was truly one of the leading lights of his times. We bring to you a treasure trove of quotes that have been excerpted from his novels, books, poems and writings. Read on to explore a compilation of some of the best known quotations by Ben Jonson.
Many might go to heaven with half the labor they go to hell.
Ben Jonson
Riches, the dumb god that giv'st all men tongues, / That canst do nought, and yet mak'st men do all things; / The price of souls; even hell, with thee to boot, / Is made worth heaven!
