More than 200 years since his death, the words of Robert Burns continue to inspire people around the world.
Having written hundreds of poems during his lifetime, the poet tackled a wide range of subjects throughout his work, making much of it timeless.
Since his death in 1791, Rabbie Burns has continued to be remembered. He is said to have inspired famous faces such as John Steinbeck and Martin Luther King, and there are so many statues and memorials to him that he is one of the most popular non-religious figures around the world.
And whether you’re singing along to Auld Lang Syne on Hogmanay, or are perhaps attending a Burns Night supper on January 25th each year, the legacy of Scotland’s national poet lives on.
To remember him, here are 15 of Robert Burns’ best quotes.
13. “The rank is but the guinea’s stamp / the man’s the gowd for a’ that!”
From one of Burns’ greatest known works, A Man's a Man for A' That, here the Scotsman promotes his own morals. Initially published anonymously for his fear of retaliation, it is clear that he feels common men are just as equal to those of a higher social status such as a lord. It was this song which was sung during the opening of the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999. | Heritage Images via Getty Images
14. “If there’s another world, he lives in bliss / If there is none, he made the best of this.”
Epitaph on my own Friend was written in a mock tribute to William Muir, a family friend of Burns who sheltered his wife Jean Amour when she was thrown out by her family. In the piece, Burns reassures those reading that if heaven exists, William is sure to be there and if not he died after a great life. | Heritage Images via Getty Images
15. “The friend of man, the friend of truth; / The friend of age, and guide of youth…”
Written for the same epitaph, this Robert Burns quote is another fitting tribute to a loved one. So much so that in describing his late mother, King Charles referenced this particular line. | Heritage Images via Getty Images