Robert Burns: 17 Inspirational quotes and lines from the Scottish poet that still apply today

Even hundreds of years after his death, 18th century Scots poet Robert Burns continues to inspire fans worldwide with his unforgettable poetry.

Robert Burns is seen as one of Scotland’s national treasures as he wrote hundreds of poems and songs during his lifetime which are still celebrated to this day. An exquisite detail of his works is the inclusion of the Scots language throughout them, for example ‘Auld Lang Syne’ translated to ‘Old Long Since’.

We may have already been graced by delicious plates of haggis since Burns Night has passed in 2023, but our famous Scottish bard’s works are timeless and even inspirational to King Charles who will have his coronation shortly.

When speaking to MSPs at Holyrood following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the new monarch described his late mother as “the friend of man, the friend of truth” – a reference to Robert Burns’ works.

In honour of the great Scottish poet, here are seventeen of his most inspirational quotes and amusing lines.