Discover the type of grit and resiliency that truly built America with these The Gilded Age quotes from season one!

The Gilded Age is an American historical drama series on HBO, created by Julian Fellowes. 

Set in 1882 New York City, The Gilded Age begins by centering on a young woman, Marian Brook, while she navigates New York’s rigid social scene. Marian is caught up in the conflicts of her ‘old money’ van Rhijn family, as well as the ‘new money’ Russell family that recently built a new mansion across the street.

The series serves to highlight the struggles between social classes, as well as those of the domestic workers of the time. It has received numerous positive reviews, especially for its costumes, cast, and lead performances.

The Gilded Age has quickly become one of my favorite shows, and I highly recommend it to anyone. If you haven’t yet seen it, you can purchase episodes or the full collection of The Gilded Age Season One.

Finding Inspiration for Resilience in Our Favorite Characters

Movies and TV shows have long been sources of entertainment, education, and inspiration for audiences around the world. One of the most compelling aspects of these mediums is their ability to showcase strong, resilient characters who overcome adversity and demonstrate qualities that viewers can aspire to and learn from. 

This is one reason we love reading and sharing TV show quotes.

Identification with characters is a significant way people draw inspiration. These characters, often facing overwhelming odds, inspire people to be more resilient in their own lives.

This identification can be particularly strong when characters are relatable or when they grow and evolve over time, encouraging viewers to believe that they, too, can develop resilience.

Psychologically, stories have a profound impact on human emotions and behaviors. They provide a safe space for viewers to explore complex issues and imagine how they might act in similar situations. By watching characters navigate challenges, audiences learn vicariously, gaining insights into problem-solving and emotional coping strategies. This process, known as observational learning, is critical in helping individuals understand and internalize the concept of resilience.

The narrative arc of characters also plays a crucial role in teaching resilience. Many stories follow a journey where the protagonist encounters and ultimately overcomes significant obstacles.

This narrative arc can be profoundly inspiring, showing that while the path to resilience may be fraught with challenges, success is achievable. The culmination of these stories often leaves audiences with a sense of hope and a belief in the power of the human spirit.

Marian Brook Quotes from The Gilded Age

Please enjoy these wise words from resilient characters in the following The Gilded Age quotes from season one!

Marian is the first character we meet in The Gilded Age, and we watch her resilience build as she faces many unexpected trials from the very start. 

1. “Suppose the truth is you never do know what’s coming next.” — Marian Brook, The Gilded Age, Season One

2. “Somewhere there’s an open door, and you’re going to walk through it.” — Marian Brook (speaking to Peggy), The Gilded Age, Season One

The Gilded Age Quotes from Mr. Russell

Mr. Russell is arguably one of the most resilient and inspiring characters in The Gilded Age. A railroad tycoon who is always willing to take a gamble on himself, he shows us that when you believe in yourself, you become unstoppable.

3. “There is no challenge you are not equal to, my dear.” — George Russell (speaking to Bertha), The Gilded Age, Season One

4. “You always hearten me with your confidence in victory.” — George Russell (speaking to Bertha), The Gilded Age, Season One

5. “Believe me, Mr. Russell is always ready for the worst.”  — George Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

6. “I’d just like you to be happy. And I know my loving you is not enough.” — George Russell (speaking to Bertha), The Gilded Age, Season One

7. “I may be a bastard, Mr. Thorburn, but you are a fool, and of the two, I think I know which I prefer.” — George Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

8. “No, my darling, you are not the least bit ordinary. On that point, your mother and I are as one.” — George Russell (speaking to Gladys), The Gilded Age, Season One

9. “Once people learn that my second offer is invariably my last, they won’t, as a rule, refuse me. Over the years, I expect to save a lot more money than I am spending now.” — George Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

10. “I don’t suggest that you men committed every crime I’m alleging here, but to employ a modern phrase, I’m afraid you must face the music.” — George Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

Quotes from Mrs. Russell

Bertha Russell, Mr. Russell’s wife, proves how resilient she is when faced with the harsh judgments and nearly impenetrable walls of New York’s high-society circles. 

11. “Just please, don’t be soft.” — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

12. “You will not say ‘can’t’ to me!” — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

13. “Well, I have said before now that I must begin somewhere.”  — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

14. “Persistence is the key to everything. Patience and persistence.” — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

15. “I don’t want to come a long way. I want to go all the way.” — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

16. “I am your mother, I want the whole world for you, and I’ll get it, any way I can.” — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

17. “I am taking a chance, George, I know that. But whoever achieved great things without taking chances?”  — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

18. “Mrs. Morris, I hesitate to teach the basics, but life is like a bank account. You cannot write a check without first making a deposit.”  — Bertha Russell, The Gilded Age, Season One

The Gilded Age quotes from Mrs. van Rhijn

Agnes van Rhijn is a matriarch and a pillar of resilience. Her fortitude is inspiring, and her wit, albeit harsh, is endearing. 

19. “I haven’t been thrilled since 1865.” — Agnes van Rhijn, The Gilded Age, Season One

20. “That woman has the resilience of a cockroach.” — Agnes van Rhijn, The Gilded Age, Season One

21. “You are forcing me to reevaluate your character.” — Agnes van Rhijn, The Gilded Age, Season One

22. “To act on impulse is to make oneself hostage to ridicule.” — Agnes van Rhijn, The Gilded Age, Season One

23. “Revolutions are launched by people with strong views and excess energy.” — Agnes van Rhijn, The Gilded Age, Season One

The Gilded Age quotes from Peggy Scott 

Peggy Scott was an early ally to Marian and an inspiration to all she met. With incredible strength, intellect, and abilities, she blazes a path to fulfill her dreams.

24. “I know he feels what he thinks is love, but I disagree with his definition.” — Peggy Scott, The Gilded Age, Season One

25. “So we should try to get the most out of what’s happening now.” — Peggy Scott, The Gilded Age, Season One

26. “You’ve just discovered injustice; I’ve lived with it my whole life. If I spent every day fighting with bigots, I’d never get anything done.” — Peggy Scott (speaking to Marian), The Gilded Age, Season One 

Quotes from Other Resilient Characters on HBO’s The Gilded Age

There is no shortage of strong and resilient characters to be inspired by on HBO’s The Gilded Age. Here are more wise words from some of our favorites: 

28. “Love makes fools of all of us – William Thackery.” — Ada Brook, The Gilded Age, Season One

29. “Get back in your cave.” — Mr. Church (speaking to Turner), The Gilded Age, Season One

28. “Agnes, your anger is making you indelicate.” — Ada Brook (speaking to Mrs. van Rhijn), The Gilded Age, Season One

29. “Then it’s lucky you have the skin of a rhinoceros.” — Oscar van Rhijn (speaking to Mrs. van Rhijn), The Gilded Age, Season One

30. “No, but I’m a great believer in turning every chance encounter into my own advantage.” — Oscar van Rhijn, The Gilded Age, Season One

31. “Now I’m going upstairs to take off my coat. I have a free morning; it is a treat to be savored.” — Mrs. Astor, The Gilded Age, Season One

The Gilded Age Quotes Inspire Us in Many Ways 

In the real world, the inspiration drawn from these characters can manifest in various ways. It might encourage someone to persevere through personal hardship, motivate someone to seek help and support, or inspire someone to stand up against injustice.

The lessons learned from these fictional narratives can have a tangible impact on real-life actions and decisions.

Books, movies, and TV shows with strong and resilient characters provide a rich source of inspiration for audiences worldwide, which is why Resilient Stories wants to bring you quotes like these.

Through identification with characters and the psychological impact of storytelling, these narratives encourage viewers to adopt resilience in their own lives. They highlight the human capacity to overcome adversity and inspire individuals to strive for personal growth and resilience.

What is your favorite The Gilded Age quote from this list?

Do you have a favorite character from the show?

Let us know in the comment section!