As with any disaster in history, many quotes and sayings have been documented over the years. Whether it is an unconfirmed statement from someone of the time period, or a quote from one of the individuals involved in the voyage, Titanic quotes and sayings capture the majesty of the Titanic as well as the sadness surrounding the night of April 14, 1912. Collected over the years from a wide variety of individuals, Titanic quotes are some of the most sought after historic quotes in the current age. Illustrating both triumph and tragedy and involving some of the most famous individuals of the time period, here are some of most well-known Titanic quotes and sayings.
Titanic, name and thing, will stand as a monument and warning to human presumption.
-The Bishop of Winchester, preaching in Southampton, 1912.
Ice, I suppose, sir.
Fifth Officer Lowe, asked by Senator Smith what an iceberg is composed of. (The question was not really silly. Boxhall had earlier testified that icebergs had been known to have rocks embedded in them).
Shut up! Shut up! I am busy. I am working Cape Race!
John Phillips, in reply to Cyril Evans’ final ice warning.
It was as though we went over about a thousand marbles.
Mrs J.S.White, describing the impact with the iceberg.
Wonderful thing, wireless, isn’t it?
Captain Arthur Rostron, to Second Officer James Bisset, having told him the latest news on the known positions of icebergs. This was at around 10-00 p.m., April 14th, 1912.
It seemed more like an old fishing boat had sunk.
Captain Stanley Lord, commenting on the surprising lack of debris at the scene of the sinking.
Some other Hand than mine was on that helm during the night.
Captain Arthur Rostron, reflecting on his safe passage among the icebergs to the lifeboats.
I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder. I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that.
Captain Edward Smith, referring to Adriatic
Send SOS; It’s the new call and it may be your last chance to send it!
Harold Bride to John Phillips.
It is not given to everyone to be a hero.
Nautical Magazine, on J.Bruce Ismay.
There was too much brag and not enough seaworthy construction.
Sir James Bisset, on Olympic and Titanic.
If this is discipline, what would have been disorder?
Senator Smith, on the chaotic loading of the lifeboats.
God himself could not sink this ship!
Unknown Titanic crewmember to embarking passenger, Mrs Sylvia Caldwell.
