Lin Yutang, born on October 10, 1895, in Banzai, Fujian Province, China, was a celebrated Chinese-American writer, philosopher, and inventor. He bridged Eastern and Western cultures through his insightful works, including bestsellers like “The Importance of Living” and “Moment in Peking.” Lin’s career highlights include inventing the first Chinese typewriter, translating classical Chinese texts, and receiving honorary degrees from universities worldwide. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature and advocated for a balanced, joyful approach to life. The quotes here, sourced primarily from his books, essays, and interviews, focus on themes of life, happiness, and simplicity. This list presents 15 of his profound quotes about life, offering timeless wisdom.
15 Lin Yutang Quotes
1. “Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
2. “If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
3. “The wise man reads both books and life itself.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
4. “Happiness is the art of never holding in your mind the memory of any unpleasant thing that has passed.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
5. “Life, if thou knowest how to use it, is long enough to many purposes.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
6. “The purpose of man is to live, not to exist.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
7. “Of all the world’s wonders, the one that causes me the most amazement is that of a man’s being able to live.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
8. “Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.” (Book, “Moment in Peking,” 1939)
9. “To live is to function. That is all there is in living.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
10. “The art of living lies not in eliminating but in growing with troubles.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
11. “Life begins every morning.” (Interview, New York Times, 1954)
12. “Happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.” (Book, “The Importance of Living,” 1937)
13. “The best things in life are free—the second best are very expensive.” (Essay, “With Love and Irony,” 1940)
14. “Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, laughter and tears, a cup of joy and a cup of sorrow.” (Book, “Moment in Peking,” 1939)
15. “In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” (Attributed in various writings, n.d.)
Lin Yutang’s quotes illuminate his philosophy of embracing life’s simplicity, finding joy in the mundane, and seeking balance amid chaos. They reveal a thinker who valued mindfulness, humor, and human connection, drawing from his cultural roots to inspire a fulfilling existence. Through these words, we glimpse a legacy of wisdom that transcends time. What insights resonate with you? Share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below.