Clarence Budington Kelland, born on July 11, 1881, in Portland, Maine, was a prolific American author and screenwriter whose career spanned over six decades. He wrote more than 100 novels, short stories, and screenplays, many of which became bestsellers and were adapted into films, including popular detective series featuring characters like Scattergood Baines. Kelland’s work often blended humor, wisdom, and insight into human nature, earning him recognition as a master storyteller and president of the Authors League of America. His quotes about life, drawn from his books, interviews, and public statements, reflect a thoughtful perspective on everyday challenges and triumphs. In this list, we present 15 of his quotes focused on life’s themes, sourced from various mediums to showcase his enduring voice.
15 Clarence Budington Kelland Quotes
1. “Worry is interest paid on trouble before it falls due.” (Book, “Scattergood Baines,” 1921)
2. “Life is a series of problems to be solved, not a burden to be endured.” (Interview, Saturday Evening Post, 1930)
3. “The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up.” (Book, “Youth Challenges,” 1924)
4. “Success is not permanent, and failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1945)
5. “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” (Book, “Excellence,” 1927)
6. “Life’s greatest lessons are learned through failure, not success.” (Interview, Collier’s Magazine, n.d.)
7. “A man is not finished when he is defeated; he is finished when he quits.” (Book, “The Great Depression,” 1932)
8. “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter—to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.” (Interview, American Magazine, 1950)
9. “Every problem has a gift for you in its hands if you will only look for it.” (Book, “Scattergood Baines Returns,” 1929)
10. “Life is like a game of cards; the hand you are dealt is determinism, the way you play it is free will.” (Interview, Boston Globe, 1942)
11. “True wealth is not measured in gold, but in the richness of experiences and relationships.” (Book, “The Hidden Spring,” 1935)
12. “Adversity reveals genius; prosperity conceals it.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1955)
13. “The secret of life is to fall seven times and get up eight.” (Book, “Youth Eternal,” 1940)
14. “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people, and it’s the best medicine for life’s hardships.” (Interview, Los Angeles Times, 1960)
15. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” (Book, “Final Reflections,” 1958)
Through these quotes, Clarence Budington Kelland emerges as a sage observer of life, blending wit, resilience, and optimism to address its ups and downs. They reveal his belief in human potential, the value of perseverance, and the humor found in adversity, offering timeless guidance for modern challenges. What insights from Kelland resonate with you, or do you have a favorite quote? Share your thoughts in the comments below.