Ella Wheeler Wilcox, born on November 5, 1850, in Johnstown, Wisconsin, USA, was a prolific American poet and writer known for her inspirational and optimistic works. She gained widespread fame with her poem “Solitude” and authored over 20 books of poetry and prose, becoming a prominent figure in the New Thought movement. Wilcox’s career highlighted themes of perseverance, love, and human emotion, with notable achievements including her influence on self-help literature and her ability to connect with everyday readers. Her quotes, sourced primarily from her poems and books, reflect timeless wisdom on life. This article presents 15 quotes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox that explore life’s depths, drawn from her extensive body of work.
15 Ella Wheeler Wilcox Quotes
1. “Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone.” (Poem, “Solitude”, 1883)
2. “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” (Book, “Poems of Passion”, 1883)
3. “Life is too short to waste in doubt and fear.” (Book, “Poems of Power”, 1903)
4. “The world is full of beauty, as other worlds above, and if we did our duty, it might be as full of love.” (Poem, “The World’s Need”, 1912)
5. “To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.” (Poem, “Protest”, 1914)
6. “Change is the end of all things earthly, but the beginning of better things.” (Book, “The Heart of New Thought”, 1902)
7. “Love lights more fires than hate extinguishes.” (Book, “Poems of Cheer”, 1912)
8. “We flatter those we scarcely know, we please the fleeting guest, and deal full many a thoughtless blow to those who love us best.” (Poem, “The Way of the World”, 1892)
9. “A weed is but an unloved flower.” (Book, “Maurine and Other Poems”, 1888)
10. “The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.” (Poem, “The Winds of Fate”, 1918)
11. “One ship drives east and another drives west with the selfsame winds that blow. ‘Tis the set of the sails and not the gales which tells us the way to go.” (Poem, “The Winds of Fate”, 1918)
12. “Talk happiness. The world is sad enough without your woe.” (Poem, “Solitude”, 1883)
13. “No one is so rich as to throw away a friend.” (Book, “The Beautiful Land of Nod”, 1913)
14. “Life’s a game, but it’s not fair. Play anyway.” (Book, “Poems of Optimism”, 1915)
15. “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.” (Book, “The Worlds and I”, 1918)
These quotes from Ella Wheeler Wilcox reveal her profound belief in the power of optimism, resilience, and kindness as guiding forces in life. They showcase her view that life’s challenges can be met with a positive mindset, emphasizing personal responsibility and emotional depth. Through her words, Wilcox inspires us to embrace life’s ups and downs with grace. What insights have her quotes brought to your life? Share your thoughts and favorite quotes in the comments below.