Rabindranath Tagore Quotes | Best Collection

Discover the best collection of Rabindranath Tagore quotes that inspire and motivate. Dive into his biography and explore FAQs to learn about the life and legacy of this Bengali polymath, Nobel laureate, and cultural icon. Explore his profound thoughts on life, love, faith, and wisdom.

Famous Rabindranath Tagore Quotes

Introduction:

Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath, philosopher, and social reformer, reshaped Bengali literature and music. On his birth anniversary, let's delve into some of his most inspiring quotes to better appreciate his legacy.

About Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, and his birth anniversary, known as Pochishe Boishakh, is celebrated on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh. Tagore was a dramatist, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter. He was the youngest child of Sarada Devi and Debendranath Tagore and was a significant figure in the Bengal Renaissance. His early works include the short story "Bhikharini" (1877) and the poetry collection "Sandhya Sangit" (1882) under the pen name Bhanusimha.

Influenced by the poetry of Kalidasa, Tagore started writing his own classical poems. He made history in 1913 by becoming the first non-European and the first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection "Gitanjali." Tagore transformed Indian art, Bengali literature, and music with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although his "elegant prose and magical poetry" remain largely unknown beyond Bengal, his melodious lyrics are considered spiritual and mercurial. He is affectionately known as "the Bard of Bengal," Gurudev, Kobiguru, and Biswokobi.

Tagore's final years were marked by excruciating discomfort, leading to a coma in 1937. He passed away on August 7, 1941, in his ancestral home.

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes

1. "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark."

2. "That side of our existence whose direction is towards the infinite seeks not wealth, but freedom and joy."

3. "I have spent a fortune traveling to distant shores and looking at lofty mountains and boundless oceans, and yet I haven’t found time to take a few steps from my house to look at a single dewdrop on a single blade of grass."

4. "Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."

5. "Gray hairs are signs of wisdom if you hold your tongue; speak and they are but hairs, as in the young."

6. "I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was a joy."

7. "Nirvana is not the blowing out of the candle. It is the extinguishing of the flame because day has come."

8. "We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us."

9. "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence."

10. "The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable."

11. "If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars."

12. "If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present."

13. "Our nature is obscured by work done by the compulsion of want or fear. The mother reveals herself in the service of her children, so our true freedom is not the freedom from action but freedom in action, which can only be attained in the work of love."

14. "Bigotry tries to keep truth safe in its hand with a grip that kills it."

15. "The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life."

16. "When we accept any discipline for ourselves, we try to avoid everything except that which is necessary for our purpose; it is this purposefulness, which belongs to the adult mind, that we force upon school children. We say, 'Never keep your mind alert.'"

17. "You cannot cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water."

18. "Love is not a mere impulse; it must contain truth, which is law."

19. "Love is an endless mystery because there is no reasonable cause that could explain it."

20. "Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf."

21. "By plucking her petals, you do not gather the beauty of the flower."

22. "The burden of the self is lightened with I laugh at myself."

23. "The greed of gain has no time or limit to its capaciousness. Its one object is to produce and consume. It has pity neither for beautiful nature nor for living human beings. It is ruthlessly ready without a moment's hesitation to crush beauty and life."

24. "Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."

25. "We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility."

26. "We live in the world when we love it."

27. "It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple."

28. "The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough."

29. "Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal."

30. "Don't limit a child to your own learning, for she was born in another time."

31. "The flower which is single need not envy the thorns that are numerous."

Rabindranath Tagore created around 3,000 paintings and wrote 2,230 songs. He also penned the national anthems of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India, and founded Visva-Bharati University, formerly known as Shantiniketan. To honor his legacy, various events are organized on his birth anniversary.

Explore the wisdom and profound insights of Rabindranath Tagore through these timeless quotes. 0 0 0.

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes: Selected Best Quotes

1. On Faith and Hope:

 “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”

2. On Life and Service:

 “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

3. On Wisdom:

“The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.”

4. On Love:

“Love is an endless mystery because there is no reasonable cause that could explain it.”

5. On Education:

“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”

6. On Death:

“Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.”

7. On Simplicity:

“It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.”

8. On Dreams and Goals:

“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”

9. On Self-Realization:

“The burden of the self is lightened with I laugh at myself.”

10. On Bigotry:

 “Bigotry tries to keep truth safe in its hand with a grip that kills it.”

11. On Nature:

“By plucking her petals you do not gather the beauty of the flower.”

12. On Courage and Persistence:

“If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.”

13. On Freedom and Action:

“Our nature is obscured by work done by the compulsion of want or fear. The mother reveals herself in the service of her children, so our true freedom is not the freedom from action but freedom in action, which can only be attained in the work of love.”

14. On Understanding Life:

“The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”

15. On Change and Clouds:

 “Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky.”

These quotes from Rabindranath Tagore reflect his deep philosophical insights, his love for nature, his belief in the power of education and service, and his understanding of human emotions and aspirations.

Biography of Rabindranath Tagore

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family:

Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India, into a prominent Bengali family. He was the youngest son of Sarada Devi and Debendranath Tagore, a leading figure of the Brahmo Samaj—a religious and socio-cultural reform movement in Bengal. Tagore's family was influential in the Bengal Renaissance, a period of cultural, social, and intellectual revival in 19th-century Bengal.

Education:

Tagore's early education was irregular and informal, influenced by tutors and his father’s educational philosophy. He attended various schools, but his formal education was sporadic. In 1877, he briefly attended the Bengal Academy of Art and Literature, where he began to develop his literary and artistic talents. His early exposure to literature and the arts was significantly shaped by the intellectual environment of his family.

Early Literary Career

Initial Works:

Rabindranath Tagore began writing poetry at a young age. His first collection of poems, “Bhanusimha,” was published in 1877, though it was initially written under a pseudonym. By 1882, he published “Sandhya Sangit,” a collection of poems that marked the beginning of his career as a serious poet.

Influences and Early Achievements:

Inspired by classical Sanskrit and regional Bengali literature, Tagore developed a distinctive literary style. His early works were influenced by the poetry of Kalidasa and the themes of nature, spirituality, and humanism. By the late 19th century, he had begun to gain recognition in literary circles in Bengal.

Literary and Artistic Contributions

Gitanjali and Nobel Prize:

Tagore’s most celebrated work, “Gitanjali” (Offering of Songs), was published in Bengali in 1910 and translated into English in 1912. This collection of poems won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive this prestigious award. “Gitanjali” was praised for its profound spirituality, lyrical beauty, and universal appeal.

Other Major Works:

Poetry: Tagore’s extensive body of work includes collections such as “Manasi” (1890), “Chitra” (1896), and “Puranagiri” (1894). His poetry often explored themes of human connection, nature, and the divine.

Prose: His notable prose works include “The Home and the World” (1916) and “The Wreck” (1921). These works delve into socio-political issues and human experiences.

Plays: Tagore was also a prolific playwright. His plays such as “The Post Office” (1911) and “Raja” (1911) are celebrated for their innovative narrative structures and social commentary.

Music: Tagore composed over 2,230 songs, known as “Tagore Songs,” which include both lyrics and music. These songs, known as “Rabindra Sangeet,” are an integral part of Bengali culture.

Visual Arts:

In addition to his literary achievements, Tagore was a talented artist. He created around 3,000 paintings and drawings throughout his life, often exploring abstract forms and motifs. His visual art reflects his philosophical and spiritual concerns and has been exhibited internationally.

Educational and Social Reforms

Visva-Bharati University:

In 1921, Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, Bengal, with the vision of creating a center for learning that integrated Indian and Western educational traditions. The university became a hub for creative and intellectual pursuits, fostering a spirit of global understanding and cultural exchange.

Social Reforms:

Tagore was an advocate for social change and reform. He was deeply involved in efforts to address issues such as poverty, education, and gender equality. His work with the Brahmo Samaj, as well as his writings, reflected his commitment to improving social conditions in India.

Political Views and Activism

Political Stance:

While Tagore was not a conventional politician, he was deeply engaged in the political and social issues of his time. He was a critic of British colonial rule and expressed his views through his writings and public statements. He was a proponent of Indian self-governance and was involved in the Indian independence movement, though he was often at odds with some of its more radical aspects.

Criticism of Nationalism:

Rabindranath Tagore was a vocal critic of extreme nationalism and advocated for a vision of unity that transcended religious and cultural boundaries. He believed in a universal humanism that embraced diverse cultures and traditions.

Later Years and Legacy

Health and Final Years:

In his later years, Tagore’s health declined, and he experienced significant physical and emotional suffering. He suffered a stroke in 1937 and was bedridden for the remaining years of his life. Despite his ill health, he continued to write and reflect on his experiences.

Death:

Rabindranath Tagore passed away on August 7, 1941, at his ancestral home in Jorasanko, Kolkata. His death marked the end of an era for Bengali literature and cultural life.

Legacy:

Tagore’s contributions to literature, music, and art have left an enduring legacy. His work has influenced generations of writers, artists, and thinkers both in India and abroad. He is remembered for his profound insights into human nature, his artistic innovations, and his commitment to social justice and cultural exchange.

Honors and Memorials:

Tagore’s legacy is commemorated through various honors and institutions. His birthplace in Kolkata has been preserved as a museum, and numerous schools, colleges, and cultural institutions bear his name. His works continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated worldwide.

National Anthems:

Tagore composed the national anthems of three countries: “Jana Gana Mana” for India, “Amar Sonar Bangla” for Bangladesh, and “Sri Lanka Matha” for Sri Lanka. His music and lyrics hold a significant place in the cultural heritage of these nations.

Rabindranath Tagore Notable Quotes

“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”

“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”

“You cannot cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”

 “Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf.”

Rabindranath Tagore’s life and work remain a source of inspiration and reflection for those seeking to understand the intersections of art, culture, and social progress. His profound contributions continue to resonate across the world, embodying the timeless pursuit of knowledge, beauty, and justice.

References and Further Reading

Books: 

Rabindranath Tagore: A Biography” by Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson

 “The Essential Tagore” edited by Fakrul Alam and Radha Chakravarty

“Rabindranath Tagore: Beyond the Bounds of Time” by R. K. Dasgupta

Tagore’s life is a testament to the transformative power of art and ideas, and his work continues to inspire those who seek to explore the depths of human experience and creativity. 0 0 0.

Read More: Analytical Studies of Selected Poems of Rabindranath Tagore