Who said “Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.”?

Verified

Sir Thomas Browne. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceHydriotaphia, Urn Burial (1658), Chapter V

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial (1658), Chapter V.

APA

Browne, S. T. (n.d.). Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10746-man-is-a-noble-animal-splendid-in-ashes/

MLA

Browne, Sir Thomas. “Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10746-man-is-a-noble-animal-splendid-in-ashes/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Browne, Sir Thomas. “Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10746-man-is-a-noble-animal-splendid-in-ashes/.

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