Quotes by Jean Webster

Im going to enjoy every second, and Im going to know Im enjoying it while Im enjoying it. Most people dont live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesnt make any difference whether theyve reached the goal or not.

The world is so full of a number of things, I am sure we should all be as happy as kings. The world is full of happiness, and plenty to go round, if you are only willing to take the kind that comes your way.

... in spite of being happier than I ever dreamed I could be, Im also soberer. The fear that something may happen to you rests like a shadow on my heart. Always before I could be frivolous and carefree and unconcerned, because I had nothing precious to lose. But now -- I shall have a Great Big Worry all the rest of my life. Whenever you are away from me I shall be thinking of all the automobiles that can run over you, or the signboards that can fall on your head or the dreadful, squirmy germs that you may be swallowing.

Getting an education is an awfully wearing process!

Its much more entertaining to live books than to write them.

This is your heart. Keep it locked until the chap turns up who has the key.

The mere idea that you are not in a place for the rest of your life gives you an awfully unstable feeling. Thats why trial marriages would never work. Youve got to feel youre in a thing irrevocably and forever in order to buckle down and really put your whole mind into making it a success.

I think that the most necessary quality for any person to have is imagination. It makes people able to put themselves in other peoples places. It makes them kind and sympathetic and understanding.

But whats the use of arguing with a man? You belong, Mr. Smith, to a sex devoid of a sense of logic. To bring a man into line, there are just two methods: one must either coax or be disagreeable. I scorn to coax men for what I wish. Therefore, I must be disagreeable.

You must remember that you cannot form your character in a moment, my dear. Character is a plant of slow growth and the seeds must be planted early.

Ive discovered the true secret of happiness, Daddy, and that is to live in the now. Not to be ever regretting past, or anticipating the future; but to get the most that you can out of this very instant . Its like farming. You can have extensive farming and intensive farming; well, I am going to have intensive living after this. Im going to joy every second, and Im going to know Im enjoying while Im enjoying it. Most people dont live, they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose all sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesnt make any difference whether theyve reached the goal or not. Ive decided to sit down by the way and pile up a lot of happiness.

You know, Daddy, I think that the most necessary quality for any person to have imagination. It makes people able to put themselves in other peoples places. It make them kind and sympathetic and understanding. It ought to be cultivated in children.

I dont believe it pays to be a great author.

Isnt it fun to work— or dont you ever do it? Its especially fun when your kind of work is the thing youd rather do more than anything else in the world. Ive been writing as fast as my pen would go every day this summer, and my only quarrel with life is that the days arent long enough to write all the beautiful and valuable and entertaining thoughts Im thinking. Ive finished the second draft of my book and am going to begin the third tomorrow morning at half-past seven. Its the sweetest book you ever saw— it is, truly. I think of nothing else. I can barely wait in the morning to dress and eat before beginning; then I write and write and write till suddenly Im so tired that Im limp all over.

This new book is going to get itself finished— and published! You see if it doesnt.

She was worshiping under the blue sky, to the jubilant chanting of the birds.

Eleven pages— this is a letter! Have courage. Im going to stop.

I came up with a pen and tablet hoping to write an immortal short story, but Ive been having a dreadful time with my heroine— I CANT make her behave as I want her to behave; so Ive abandoned her for the moment, and am writing to you.

I saw a street car conductor today with one brown eye and one blue. Wouldnt he make a nice villain for a detective story?

Is it snowing where you are? All the world that I see from my tower is draped in white and the flakes are coming down as big as pop-corns. Its late afternoon - the sun is just setting (a cold yellow colour) behind some colder violet hills, and I am up in my window seat using the last light to write to you.