Robert Burns: 17 Inspirational quotes and lines from the Scottish poet that still apply today
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.
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.
5. “A set o’ dull, conceited hashes, Confuse their brains in college-classes!"
The poem continues: "They gang in stirks, and come out asses... Gie me ae spark o’ Nature’s fire, That’s a’ the learning I desire.” A letter from Robert Burns to fellow bard John Lapraik, it captures how he found conventional education to be stifling. Photo: Submitted
6. “Nae man can tether time or tide.”
A quote from the legendary 'Tam O' Shanter' that reminds us that time will run out at some point and we as people have no power over it nor the forces of nature themselves. Photo: Javier_Art_Photography via Canva Pro
7. “O wad some Power the giftie gie us, to see oursels as ithers see us!”
Taken from his famous and comedic 'Tae a Louse' poem, this quote refers to how it would be a wonderful gift from God himself if we were able to look at ourselves the way that others look at us. Photo: canbedone via Canva Pro
8. "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne."
'Auld Lang Syne' can be translated to as 'times long past', we sing it on New Year's Eve at the stroke of midnight to bid farewell to the old year. Photo: Submitted