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.
1. “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / gang aft agley…”
Taken from To A Mouse, this Burns quote reminds us that no matter how much we plan, things can – and will – go wrong. | Sandra Standbridge - stock.adobe.com
2. "Liberty's in every blow!— / Let us do or die!"
From the final stanza of Scots Wha Hae, which once served as Scotland’s unofficial national anthem, this poem celebrates the defeat of King Edward II at Bannockburn in 1314. It is also known as Robert Bruce's March to Bannockburn'. | Getty Images
3. “Gie me ae spark o' nature's fire / That's a' the learning I desire…”
Written in a letter to fellow poet John Lapraik, Burns demonstrates his mastery of writing to spite critics who refused to believe a non-university educated man could produce poetry equal to those who had a greater understanding of Latin and Greek. Before the famous line, Burns labels said critics as “A set o' dull, conceited hashes / Confuse their brains in college classes! / They gang in stirks, and come out asses, / Plain truth to speak…” | Getty Images
4. “Nae man can tether time or tide…”
From Tam O’Shanter, Burns reminds readers that time will always, eventually, run out. Following the poet pondering the inevitability of life– from poppies flowering and dying to the fleeting nature of snow hitting a river – Burns also highlights that we are all at the mercy of nature. | Getty Images