To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
“To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson Philosopher, Poet, Author, Essayist

Achievement
Pass It On®
Pass It On®

  email   print

Your Comments
Mark Tiller from UK AUGUST 26, 2024
When I first read this a good 20 years ago, I thought to myself. If I needed a mission statement for my life, that's it.
craig lock from Gisborne, NZ JUNE 17, 2024
The power of words to uplift, encourage and inspire 'I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.' -Og Mandino
Nikolaos D. Skordilis from Athens, Greece FEBRUARY 8, 2022
Emerson's voice will always be a bright light illuminating my darkest abysses ♥️
Dale J from Va JUNE 30, 2018
Words to live by!
Lulu Astler JANUARY 16, 2018
if ever there was one thing that people could agree on it would be that this Emerson quote comes to closest to summing up who and what he was ...it brings a tear to my eye, is one of the greatest things I've ever read and to have known someone that had lived that is even more wonderful
Vicki from Texas, USA AUGUST 17, 2017
This is what all people should strive to do. Our world would be a better place for all.
Isaac from Tennessee JULY 28, 2017
My favorite quote of all time- I try to live by it and pass it on to my friends, family, and one day I'll hopefully instill this into my future students :)
Ray from New Zealand JUNE 13, 2017
Beautiful, and so true.
Suzy from De Pere JANUARY 12, 2017
This is a good description of Jackie's legacy.
Gemma from Hook Area Co Wexford OCTOBER 11, 2016
This is a beautiful Quotation
Abel from Liberia  MAY 25, 2016
So remarkable
Purity from Nairobi NOVEMBER 9, 2015
Encouraging quotes

Here are some other inspiring quotes you might like.
If your dream is a big dream, and if you want your life to work on the high level you say you do, there’s no way around doing the work it takes to get you there. #<Author:0x000055c6161f4870>
HARD WORK
The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. #<Author:0x00007f30f9f412e0>
LAUGHTER
There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth. #<Author:0x00007f30f8d60ad0>
HONESTY
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. #<Author:0x00007f30f9f7a338>
LIVE YOUR DREAMS
A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at the end of the debate we should emerge stronger and more united than ever before. #<Author:0x00007f30f9f63750>
LEADERSHIP
An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere. They learn from mistakes and failures, and are not afraid to fail again. #<Author:0x00007f30fa019410>
OPTIMISM
Just as one cannot live without dreams, one cannot live without hope. If dreams reflect the past, hope summons the future. #<Author:0x00007f30f9f9a728>
HOPE
Into each day, put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor! #<Author:0x00007f30fa04abc8>
HUMOR
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. #<Author:0x00007f30fa033248>
OPTIMISM
Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow. #<Author:0x00007f30fa021c50>
CONFIDENCE
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in the quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. #<Author:0x00007f30fa06ba30>
APPRECIATION
Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. #<Author:0x00007f30fa059cb8>
INSPIRATION
Find the good—and praise it. #<Author:0x00007f30fa0a33e0>
ENCOURAGEMENT
Humility isn't denying your strengths; it's being honest about your weaknesses. #<Author:0x00007f30fa08be20>
HUMILITY
What we accomplish in the marathon of life depends tremendously on our grit—our passion and perseverance for long-term goals. #<Author:0x00007f30fa0e2248>
GRIT
No one has ever become poor by giving. #<Author:0x00007f30fa0ca878>
GIVING
All Pass It On® Quotes

We use cookies or similar technologies to process data when you visit our site. This data may relate to your use of our site, your preferences, your device, or other information about you. We and third parties may use this information for a variety of purposes, such as enabling the sites to function, to personalize your experience when using our sites, and for analytical purposes. Read our privacy policy and terms of use for details. close

Reject All Accept All