Molly Ivins, born Mary Tyler Ivins on August 30, 1944, in Fort Worth, Texas, was a celebrated journalist, author, and political commentator renowned for her sharp wit, liberal views, and unflinching critique of power. She gained national prominence through her work at the Texas Observer and her syndicated column, writing bestsellers like “Molly Ivins Can’t Say That, Can She?” and earning awards such as the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award. Ivins’ career highlighted her commitment to truth and humor in the face of adversity, making her a voice for the underdog. Her quotes, sourced from books, interviews, and columns, often blend insight with levity, reflecting on life’s complexities. In this list, explore 15 of her quotes that offer wisdom on life, drawn from various points in her career.
15 Molly Ivins Quotes
1. “Life is too short to waste on people who don’t appreciate you.” (Column, Texas Observer, 1985)
2. “The best revenge is living well and being happy.” (Interview, NPR, 2002)
3. “We’ve all got to learn to laugh at ourselves; it’s the only way to get through this mess called life.” (Book, “You Got to Dance with Them What Brung You,” 1998)
4. “In life, you have to choose your battles, but never stop fighting for what’s right.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1999)
5. “The older I get, the more I realize that kindness is the greatest strength.” (Column, Creators Syndicate, 2004)
6. “Life’s too important to be taken seriously all the time—laugh a little.” (Book, “Bushwhacked,” 2003)
7. “You can’t change the world alone, but you can start by changing your corner of it.” (Interview, C-SPAN, 2000)
8. “True freedom in life comes from speaking your mind, even when it’s unpopular.” (Column, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1996)
9. “Life is a series of choices; make sure yours are based on love, not fear.” (Book, “Molly Ivins Can’t Say That, Can She?”, 1991)
10. “The secret to a good life is surrounding yourself with good people and good books.” (Interview, Texas Monthly, 2005)
11. “In the end, what matters most in life is how you treat others.” (Column, The Nation, 2001)
12. “Life throws curveballs, but a sense of humor is the best bat to swing.” (Interview, PBS, 1997)
13. “Don’t let the bastards grind you down; life’s too short for that nonsense.” (Book, “Who Let the Dogs In?”, 2004)
14. “Living a full life means embracing change, even when it’s scary.” (Column, Los Angeles Times, 2003)
15. “At the heart of life is the simple joy of connection—with people, with ideas, with the world.” (Interview, Democracy Now!, 2006)
Molly Ivins’ quotes paint a vivid picture of a life lived with courage, humor, and compassion, revealing her as a keen observer of human nature. They highlight themes of resilience, kindness, and the importance of laughter in facing life’s challenges, showcasing her ability to inspire while critiquing society. What do these quotes mean to you, or which one resonates most? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss her enduring wisdom.