How Tea Fueled the Imagination of the World

By Erika Robertson

For hundreds of years leaders and authors have used tea as a vehicle for inspiration, inner peace, and joy. Tea isn’t just a means for meditation and reflection — it also fuels some of the greatest accomplishments and creative endeavors. 

Many of the tea quotes from the authors below give tea the unabashed respect it deserves. Without tea, we might not have such thought-provoking stories as Peter Pan, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Anna Karenina. 

But tea is also a gateway to a higher understanding. The calm teachings of mindfulness are forged by thought leaders all over the globe. They knew tea should be cherished and meditated upon — not carelessly tossed aside and squandered. 

Let’s explore some of the most influential and inspiring tea quotes from famous leaders around the globe. You might even discover a deeper appreciation for the incredible power of tea. 

1. “Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back and appreciate our surroundings.” 

Letitia Baldrige is the author of 20 books and was the Social Secretary of Jackie Kennedy. She was called the “Doyenne of Decorum” and was one of America’s top authorities on etiquette. Letitia understood the respectful pause that comes with taking tea. 

Tea should be enjoyed at a slow pace. It’s a moment to reflect and completely immerse yourself in the here and now. Letitia understood that tea should never be rushed.

2. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” 

C.S. Lewis was a theologian and a British writer famously known for The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters. Naturally, he has more than one famous tea quote — Are you surprised? Of course not!

In his autobiography, Surprised By Joy, he also says “Tea should be taken in solitude”. For C. S. Lewis, tea was a complete and satisfying ritual that helped fuel his fondness for writing and reading by himself.  

3. “...there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” 

The opening line of Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady observes the charm and pleasure of afternoon tea. This cherished ceremony is full of tradition and elegance.

Henry was one of the greatest American-British authors who was famous for his portrayal of émigré American characters and cultural crossovers between Britain and America. He was an American novelist, playwright, and psychological ghost story writer. 

4. “While there is tea, there is hope.”

Sir Arthur Wing Pinero was an English playwright who created over 60 plays. This famous tea quote is taken from Sweet Lavender - A Comedy in Three Acts and spoken by the main character, Horace. As long as there is tea, there is always a chance for something better.   

The original quote “Where there’s tea, there’s hope” was spoken by Arthur himself and was modified for the play. It’s rumored that this quote was also used in one of Winston Churchill’s speeches to comfort the soldiers during trying times of the war. 

5. “Would you like an adventure now, or shall we have our tea first?”

Peter Pan’s unbridled enthusiasm as he speaks to John is almost too much for Wendy and Michael to bear. But, even in the fantastical world of Neverland, tea is something to enjoy before going out on adventures — and this comes as a huge relief to Wendy and the boys. 

The tea quote comes from J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novel, Peter Pan, originally titled Peter and Wendy. The book was an adaptation of the play Peter Pan which was performed in 1904.

6. “Tea is an act complete in its simplicity. When I drink tea, there is only me and the tea.”

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese author, poet, teacher, and a Thiền Buddhist monk. He is known as the “father of mindfulness”. This tea quote is reflective of the mindful practices that Nhất Hạnh taught. 

You may find yourself scrambling to drink your tea on the go while moving on to your next task for the day. We hope this quote encourages you to slow down. Try your best to enjoy every breath and warm sip the next time you drink your tea — create a meditative and conscious experience out of something so beautifully simple.

7. “Tea is a religion of the art of life.”

The fact that tea is a cornerstone of Japanese culture is clear in this tea quote from Kakuzo Okakura — a Japanese scholar and author. In The Book of Tea, he also famously said “Teaism is a cult founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence.” 

Kakuzo fuses the cultural significance and the philosophical significance of the tea ceremony. Taking tea in Japan is more than just enjoying a drink — it’s being one with your surroundings, with nature, and with the honorable ceremony. 

8. “Tea is to the body as music is to the soul.”

Earlene Grey is a well-known poet and tea aficionado — Surprise, surprise! She is also known for her Tea Poetry. Just as music heals the soul through sound and melody, tea heals the body through ritual and nutrients. 

Tea can ease you into a better state of mind, but did you know that tea might have potential anti-cancer properties as well? Earlene Grey is on to something with this tea quote. 

9. “I must drink lots of tea or I cannot work. Tea unleashes the potential which slumbers in the depth of my soul.” 

Leo Tolstoy is a Russian writer — known as one of the world’s most famous novelists. He wrote both War and Peace and Anna Karenina — two of the most highly regarded novels ever written — possibly the best! 

It’s no surprise that Tolstoy thought so highly of tea. Hot Russian tea is what gave Tolstoy fuel for his imagination so that he could give us some of the most amazing pieces of literature the world has ever known. Leo owed so much to tea — and so do the rest of us who get to enjoy his remarkable works. 

Where to Begin Your Better Tea Journey

Have these tea quotes inspired you? Will you seek out more time for reflection while you drink your tea from now on? Will you switch out your cup of coffee for an afternoon tea pick-me-up instead? 

You want to create a daily mindfulness ritual with tea. You want to seek energy and health by making tea a part of your life. You can start your new healthy tea journey will help from Teabloom. 

Beautifully handcrafted, sustainable, and revolutionary teaware has been at the forefront of their minds since day one. Their mission is to make this world, and your tea routine, just a little bit cleaner and more carefree. How? With superior teaware and Fair Trade teas. 

Explore the magic of Teabloom, today. 

www.Teabloom.com