Arthur Buchwald, born on October 20, 1925, in Mount Vernon, New York, was a celebrated American humorist and syndicated columnist. Over his prolific career, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1982 and became known for his sharp, satirical takes on politics, society, and human nature through columns in The Washington Post and numerous books. Buchwald’s work often blended wit with wisdom, influencing generations with his insightful humor. The quotes here are drawn from his books, interviews, and columns, all centered on themes of life. This collection highlights his timeless reflections, offering a glimpse into his philosophy. Below is a list of 15 Art Buchwald quotes about life, each sourced from reliable references.
15 Art Buchwald Quotes
1. “Life is like a game of cards; the hand you’re dealt is less important than how you play it.” (Book, “I Never Forget a Bookie”, 1960)
2. “The secret to a happy life is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1975)
3. “In life, you don’t stop laughing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop laughing.” (Column, The Washington Post, n.d.)
4. “Success in life comes from finding humor in failure and learning from it.” (Book, “Down the Seine and Up the Potomac”, 1977)
5. “Life’s greatest lessons are often taught by the people we least expect.” (Interview, Paris Review, 1980)
6. “We spend our lives searching for happiness, only to find it’s been with us all along.” (Book, “Leaving Home”, 1993)
7. “The best part of life is sharing it with others, even when they’re driving you crazy.” (Column, Los Angeles Times, 1990)
8. “Life is too short to hold grudges; forgive quickly and laugh often.” (Interview, CBS News, 2000)
9. “True freedom in life comes from accepting that not everything is under your control.” (Book, “I’ll Always Have Paris”, 1991)
10. “Humor is the oil that keeps the wheels of life turning smoothly.” (Column, The Washington Post, 1985)
11. “Life’s journey is not about the destination, but the stories you collect along the way.” (Interview, NPR, 1995)
12. “The key to longevity in life is curiosity; keep asking questions and stay engaged.” (Book, “Too Soon to Say Goodbye”, 2006)
13. “In life, adversity is inevitable, but misery is optional—choose wisely.” (Column, Chicago Tribune, n.d.)
14. “We all need a little nonsense in life to balance out the seriousness.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1970)
15. “Life is an adventure best enjoyed with a sense of wonder and a dash of irreverence.” (Book, “Washington Is Leaking”, 1976)
Through these quotes, Art Buchwald emerges as a sage observer of life, infusing his words with humor and humility to reveal deeper truths about human experience. They illustrate his belief in laughter as a tool for resilience and insight, encouraging us to embrace life’s absurdities with grace. Overall, Buchwald’s reflections remind us that wisdom often comes wrapped in wit. What resonates with you? Share your favorite quote or thoughts in the comments below.