Last semester, between the long reading, lengthy papers, and seemingly-endless classes, I spent my free time immersed in the world which is Downtown Abbey. I found the social twists between Lords and Ladies, the tension between upstairs and downstairs, and the delightful submersion into the complicated, and at times comical, history of early 20th century England to be a wonderful way to procrastinate. Over the holiday break, I, in a state of bitter-sweet emotional turmoil, watched the season finale of the final season of Downtown Abbey. Over its six seasons, the show brought me many laughs, some tears, a few gasps, and many lessons of life wisdom.

My favorite character in the show by far is Violet Crowley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by the beloved Maggie Smith, best know for her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise. As the most senior member of the prominent Crowley family, she expresses great wisdom behind her extreme sass and sarcastic manner. Throughout the series, we watch as the Dowager Countess must cope with how the rest of her family defies many of her very traditional beliefs. Her sassy remarks and bits of wisdom leave her to be a well-beloved character, despite her tendency to be prideful and at sometimes petty.

Even though the show takes place almost a hundred years ago, besides the "silly" social etiquette, much of what the show portrays can be used in our very modern era. Here are 18 bits of wisdom by The Dowager Countess herself that exemplifies a level of wisdom and sass that we all wish to achieve.

1. "Principles are like prayers, noble of course, but awkward at a party."

Perhaps it seems as if the Dowager has no allowance for fun. Yet she knows that at times it is appropriate to throw principle out the window and to just have a good time.

2. "A lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears."

Some of the social rules in Edwardian England forbade the showcase of emotion. Violet usually follows these rules, but she knows that showing the right emotion in the right quantity and context was always appropriate.

3. "One is not given many chances in life, and if you miss them, they are not necessarily repeated."

The Dowager Countess seizes every opportunity.

4. "You have to take control of your feelings before they take control of you."

This life lessons goes hand-in-hand with number two. Everyone has feelings, and Lady Violet is no exception. However, she knows how that you must be in control of your feelings. If you let them run wild, chaos is sure to follow.

5. "Meaning well is not enough."

The Dowager isn't one to leave anything undone. She knows that intentions do not matter nearly as much as the actual outcome. Actions speak louder than words.

6. "My dear, love is a far more dangerous motive than dislike."

The world of Downton Abbey is full of loveless and arranged marriages. While Lady Crawley understands the necessity of such things, she knows the true power of love.

7. "All life is is a series of problems which we must try and solve, first one and then the next, until at last we die."

The Dowager Countess is quite the problem solver, often meddling in the business of others to save face for her family. She also caused a few problems of her own, but she was sure to but all those problems into perspective.

8. "Never complain, never explain."

An air of self righteousness always surrounds the Dowager; she is quite pompous. She never feels the need to justify herself to anyone and politeness doesn't allow her to complain.

9. "If reason fails, try force."

The Dowager Countess will not accept not getting what she wants; she expresses grand determination. She knows that using reason to level with people is the most practical means to secure what you desire, but knows that in some cases reason fails. She justifies the use of force to get the proper outcome.

10. "There can be too much truth in any relationship."

Lady Crawley knows that some things are better left unknown.

11. "Don't be such a snob."

Coming from the Dowager, this can seem hypocritical, but her steadfast faith in politeness would never allow her to be rude.

12. "If I must choose between principle and logic, I'll take principle every time!"

Throughout the twists and turns of the entire series, Violet stays true and committed to her principles, even when they defy practicality.

13. "Hope is a tease designed to prevent us from reality."

Hope is an emotion that rivals practicality, and therefore is something the Dowager will not dabble in.

14. "I see I'll have to take the slow path."

The right way is rarely easy and quick. When the easiest path fails, realizing that you must take the slower, harder path is the first step in getting what you want or making things right.

15. "Vulgarity is no substitute for wit."

Vulgarity is simply not polite.

16. "If I had withdrew my friendship from everyone who had spoken ill of me, my address book would be empty."

Violet would never let something as simple as a rude comment rob her of friendship. People say things that aren't nice; the Dowager is too strong to let something so petty to complicate things.

17. "You are a woman with a brain and reasonable ability. Stop whining and find something to do."

While the Dowager supports many of the Edwardian rules that limited the social behavior of women, she is a large advocate in supporting the strong character and passions of her granddaughters. Women are powerful and capable and there is no reason not to act as such.

18. "When we unleash the dogs of war, we must go where they take us. "

The Dowager Countess knows that you must be prepared to lie in the bed you make.

Rembering these 18 life lessons will enable you to be as sassy and cool as the Dowager Countess herself.