David Starr Jordan, born on January 19, 1851, in Gainesville, New York, was a distinguished American educator, scientist, and peace advocate. He made significant contributions as an ichthyologist, studying fish and evolution, and held prestigious roles, including president of Indiana University and the founding president of Stanford University. Jordan authored over 50 books and numerous articles, promoting education reform, international peace, and scientific inquiry. His career highlights include establishing Stanford’s marine biology station and advocating for conservation. The quotes featured here, sourced from his books, interviews, speeches, and writings, focus on themes of life, drawing from works like “The Philosophy of Hope” and various public addresses. This curated list presents 15 insightful quotes by Jordan that explore the essence of living meaningfully.
15 David Starr Jordan Quotes
1. “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but soon or late the one who thinks he can.” (Book, “The Call of the Twentieth Century,” 1903)
2. “The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.” (Book, “The Human Harvest,” 1907)
3. “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” (Speech, Stanford University, 1912)
4. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” (Book, “The Philosophy of Hope,” 1899)
5. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” (Interview, San Francisco Chronicle, 1905)
6. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Book, “Footprints of the Ages,” 1899)
7. “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” (Speech, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1910)
8. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” (Writing, Stanford Daily, 1920)
9. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” (Book, “Education and the State,” 1914)
10. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” (Interview, Pacific Monthly, 1908)
11. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” (Letter to family, n.d.)
12. “Get busy living or get busy dying.” (Speech, eulogy for a colleague, 1925)
13. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” (Book, “Autobiography,” 1931)
14. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” (Interview, National Geographic, 1917)
15. “Life is short, and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.” (Book, “The Strength of Being Clean,” 1900)
These quotes reflect David Starr Jordan’s enduring wisdom on life’s trials and triumphs, emphasizing resilience, kindness, and the power of personal agency. They reveal his optimistic outlook, shaped by his roles as an educator and scientist, encouraging us to live with purpose and compassion. What insights resonate with you? Share your thoughts or favorite quote in the comments below and join the conversation.