Charles Caleb Colton (1780–1832) was an English cleric, writer, and eccentric whose sharp wit and keen observations on human nature made him a memorable voice of the 19th century. Though not widely known today, Colton’s aphorisms and reflections—mainly compiled in his book Lacon or Many Things in Few Words—remain timeless. His quotes explore themes like vanity, ambition, wisdom, and the contradictions of human behavior, often with biting irony and elegant prose.
Colton’s writing is frequently compared to that of François de La Rochefoucauld and Oscar Wilde, blending literary flair with philosophical insight. Despite living an unconventional life—marked by financial troubles, artistic pursuits, and eventual self-imposed exile—his intellect shone through in the brevity and brilliance of his words. One of his most enduring lines, “Imitation is the sincerest of flattery,” has become part of everyday language, highlighting his cultural impact. His work continues to be a treasure trove for those who appreciate clever wordplay and timeless truths.
Life, Birth, and Early Years
Charles Caleb Colton was born in 1780, likely in Devon, England, although some sources suggest other places such as London or Somerset. Very little is known about his early childhood due to a lack of detailed personal records. However, Colton emerged as a brilliant and eccentric personality during the early 19th century. His early life, though shadowed in partial obscurity, eventually blossomed into a journey marked by literary talent, religious occupation, and a flair for wit and paradox.
Colton’s upbringing must have been relatively privileged or intellectually inclined, as he gained entry into one of England’s most prestigious universities. His sharp mind and inquisitive nature were evident in his writings, which were often filled with aphorisms, paradoxes, and satirical observations of society, religion, and human nature.
Visit Now: Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Quotes
Education
Charles Caleb Colton was educated at Eton College, one of the most elite schools in England. He later attended King’s College, Cambridge, where he demonstrated scholarly excellence. It was during his time at Cambridge that he cultivated a deep understanding of classical literature, theology, philosophy, and language, all of which shaped his writing style and intellectual outlook.
His education provided him with the tools to enter both literary and clerical circles. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and later obtained a Master of Arts. These academic achievements not only laid the groundwork for his literary contributions but also for his ordination into the clergy.
Profession
Colton was ordained as a clergyman in the Church of England, becoming a curate and later vicar of Kew and Petersham, two parishes near London. His sermons and church duties, however, often conflicted with his flamboyant and eccentric behavior. Although he was a man of the cloth, he was known to exhibit traits far removed from traditional clergy, including indulgence in gambling and a taste for worldly luxuries.
Despite his position as a religious figure, Colton struggled with the moral expectations of his role. This inner conflict eventually led him to leave England under a cloud of scandal, possibly related to debts or personal disgrace. He traveled to France and later to America, where he continued his literary work and immersed himself in philosophical contemplation.
Success
Charles Caleb Colton found lasting success not through his clerical duties but through his writing, particularly his celebrated work “Lacon: or Many Things in Few Words, Addressed to Those Who Think” (published in 1820). This book, filled with aphorisms and reflections on politics, society, human nature, and religion, was a critical and commercial success. It resonated deeply with thinkers and writers of the 19th century and is still quoted today for its sharp wit and profound insight.
Among his most famous quotes are:
-
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
-
“When you have nothing to say, say nothing.”
-
“Corruption is like a ball of snow; once it’s set rolling, it must increase.”
Favorite Things
Colton was known for his eclectic tastes and flamboyant preferences, which were quite unorthodox for a clergy member:
-
Books and literature: He was a voracious reader and a lover of classical and philosophical texts.
-
Travel: He lived in France and later in the United States, appreciating culture and learning from foreign environments.
-
Art and collecting: Colton was an art enthusiast, often dealing in fine art and collecting paintings and artifacts.
-
Wine and luxury: He indulged in the finer things in life, including gourmet food, wine, and luxurious living, which clashed with his religious role.
-
Wit and satire: He was fond of clever humor, irony, and intellectual debates.
Habits and Personality
Charles Caleb Colton had eccentric and often contradictory habits, blending scholarly pursuits with indulgent pastimes:
-
A lover of solitude: Despite being socially observant, he often chose solitude for reflection and writing.
-
Eccentric behavior: Colton’s life was marked by unorthodox decisions, such as fleeing England and living abroad in relative obscurity.
-
Philosophical depth: He meditated deeply on life, religion, morality, and the follies of humanity.
-
A gambling habit: He was known to gamble and take financial risks, which might have contributed to his eventual exile from England.
-
Perfectionist writer: He was meticulous in crafting his aphorisms, aiming to say the most in the fewest words.
He was both admired and criticized for being a paradox: a clergyman who distrusted organized religion, a moralist who embraced pleasure, and a scholar who scoffed at social pretenses.
Death
Charles Caleb Colton died in 1832 in Paris, France, by suicide. It is believed he took his own life after a painful illness or due to a decline in physical and emotional health. His death marked the end of a life filled with contradictions, brilliance, and introspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles Caleb Colton?
An English writer, cleric, and aphorist best known for his book Lacon.
What is Charles Caleb Colton’s most famous quote?
“Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.”
What kind of themes did Colton explore in his writing?
Vanity, ambition, hypocrisy, wisdom, morality, and human behavior.
What was Lacon about?
A collection of aphorisms and reflections offering insights into life, society, and philosophy.
Was Colton a religious figure?
Yes, he served as an Anglican clergyman before turning to writing and travel.
How did Colton’s life end?
He died by suicide in France in 1832 after years of exile and financial hardship.
Why is Colton considered influential?
His sharp, memorable quotes continue to be cited in literature, leadership, and psychology.
Did Colton write any poetry or fiction?
He focused mainly on essays and aphorisms rather than traditional literary forms.
How does Colton compare to other aphorists?
He’s often compared to La Rochefoucauld for his style and insight.
Why do Colton’s quotes still matter today?
Because they capture timeless truths about human nature in a witty, concise form.
Conclusion
Charles Caleb Colton may not be a household name today, but his words continue to echo with clarity and relevance. His brilliant aphorisms reflect a deep understanding of human nature, offering wisdom with a sharp edge of irony. From flattery and imitation to the nature of ambition and the folly of pride, Colton’s observations are as meaningful today as they were in his era. In a world often overwhelmed by noise, Colton’s strength was in saying much with little. His quotes provide not only clever turns of phrase but also genuine insight into the human condition. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, truth, or simply a clever remark, Colton’s words deliver.