Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, was born on September 7, 1860, in Greenwich, New York. She rose to fame as a self-taught American folk artist, beginning her painting career at age 78 after a lifetime of farm work and family life. Her vibrant, primitive-style artworks depicting rural scenes earned her widespread recognition, including a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1940 and a cover feature on Life magazine in 1960. Grandma Moses’s quotes, sourced from interviews with publications like Life Magazine and her autobiography, offer timeless wisdom on life, emphasizing hard work, simplicity, and joy. In the list below, explore 15 of her insightful quotes about life, each drawn from reliable sources to highlight her reflective and resilient spirit.
15 Grandma Moses Quotes
1. “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” (Interview, Life Magazine, 1960)
2. “I look back on my life like a good day’s work; it was done and I am satisfied with it.” (Book, “My Life’s History,” 1952)
3. “I’ve always believed in doing my best, no matter what comes along.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1953)
4. “Life’s too short to worry about things you can’t change.” (Interview, Associated Press, 1955)
5. “The world wasn’t made in a day, and I wasn’t either.” (Interview, Life Magazine, 1960)
6. “I have been busy working all my life and I have never had time to grow up.” (Book, “My Life’s History,” 1952)
7. “Happiness is found in the simple things, like a good meal or a beautiful day.” (Interview, The Saturday Evening Post, 1949)
8. “Life without endeavor is like entering a jewel mine and coming out with empty pockets.” (Autobiography excerpt, n.d.)
9. “Don’t wait for opportunities; you have to make them yourself.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1950)
10. “The best part of life is when you’re giving something back to others.” (Interview, Associated Press, 1955)
11. “Age is no barrier; it’s a limitation you put on your mind.” (Book, “My Life’s History,” 1952)
12. “I never had time to be tired; there was always something to do in life.” (Interview, Life Magazine, 1960)
13. “Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.” (Autobiography, n.d.)
14. “Keep busy and find joy in the little moments; that’s the secret to a full life.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1953)
15. “I was happy and contented; I knew nothing better and made the best out of what life offered.” (Book, “My Life’s History,” 1952)
In reflecting on Grandma Moses’s quotes, we see a portrait of a woman who lived with unyielding optimism, drawing strength from hard work, simplicity, and everyday wonders. Her words remind us that life is shaped by our attitudes and actions, offering inspiration for all ages. What do these quotes reveal to you about embracing life’s challenges? Share your thoughts, favorite quotes, or personal reflections in the comments below to join the discussion.