Edgar Allan Poe

Horror, detective fiction

Modern influential 184 sayings

Sayings by Edgar Allan Poe

The world is a joke; and I am the joker.

— This is a misattribution. The quote is from a modern interpretation or adaptation of Poe's character…
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a strong inclination to be a poet.

1827 — Letter to John Allan
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no doubt that the universe is a gigantic practical joke.

— This is a misattribution. Poe never said this. It's often associated with writers like G.K. Chestert…
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a horror of being misunderstood.

1844 — Letter to James Russell Lowell
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that the soul of man is immortal, and that it will live forever.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a philosophical essay or letter.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no desire to be famous. I have a desire to be read.

— This is a misattribution. While the sentiment may be aligned with Poe's struggles, there's no direct…
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a firm believer in the doctrine of original sin.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a theological discussion or letter.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a profound contempt for the opinions of mankind.

1827 — Letter to John Allan
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no faith in anything but the power of God.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a religious musing or letter.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a very strong opinion that the world is going to the dogs.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a letter or conversation.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a great deal of respect for women, but I have no respect for their opinions.

— This is a misattribution. This quote does not appear in Poe's verified writings or correspondence.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a very strong belief in the transmigration of souls.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a philosophical discussion or letter.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a profound contempt for all humbug.

1844 — Letter to James Russell Lowell
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a great deal of what the world calls talent, but I have no application.

— This is a misattribution. While Poe struggled with consistency, this exact phrasing is not directly …
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a very strong opinion that the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players.

— This is a misattribution. The quote is from Shakespeare's As You Like It. Poe did not say this.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no faith in any system of philosophy that does not begin with God.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a theological discussion or letter.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a very strong opinion that the world is a madhouse, and I am one of the inmates.

— This is a misattribution. While the sentiment may be aligned with Poe's themes, there's no direct qu…
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no faith in any system of religion that does not preach universal charity.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source is debated. Often cited as from a theological discussion or letter.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a profound contempt for all affectation.

1844 — Letter to James Russell Lowell
Humorous Unverifiable

I have a great deal of what the world calls courage, but I have no prudence.

— This is a misattribution. While Poe was often bold, this exact phrasing is not directly attributable…
Humorous Unverifiable