As for the brandy, nothing extenuate; and the water, put nought in it malice

As for the brandy, nothing extenuate; and the water, put nought in it malice

Douglas Jerrold was a renowned English playwright, humorist, and satirist known for his sharp wit and clever observations on society. His works often reflected his keen insight into human nature and his ability to skewer the pretensions of the upper classes. In his writing, Jerrold frequently used humor and irony to expose the hypocrisy and folly of the society in which he lived.

One of Jerrold's most famous quotes is "As for the brandy, nothing extenuate; and the water, put nought in it malice." This quote encapsulates Jerrold's attitude towards life and his belief in the importance of honesty and integrity. In this quote, Jerrold is advising against diluting the truth or sugarcoating reality. He is advocating for a straightforward and unvarnished approach to life, where one should not try to lessen the severity of a situation or add malice to it.

Jerrold's words can be interpreted as a call for authenticity and transparency in all aspects of life. He believed that it was important to face the truth head-on, without trying to soften its impact or distort its meaning. By urging people to be honest and direct in their dealings with others, Jerrold was advocating for a more genuine and sincere way of living.