Don Marquis, born Donald Robert Perry Marquis on July 29, 1878, in Walnut, Illinois, USA, was a renowned American humorist, journalist, and author. He gained fame for his witty newspaper columns and the beloved characters Archy the cockroach and Mehitabel the cat, featured in his humorous poetry and stories. Marquis’s career highlights include working as a columnist for the New York Evening Sun and publishing several books that blended satire, philosophy, and social commentary. His notable achievements include creating enduring literary works that continue to entertain and provoke thought. The quotes in this list are sourced from his books, interviews, and newspaper columns, reflecting his insights on life. Below is a curated selection of 15 Don Marquis quotes about life, showcasing his blend of humor and wisdom.
Quote List
1. “Life is a rough road, but it’s the bumps that make it interesting.” (Book, “archy and mehitabel,” 1927)
2. “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” (Book, “The Almost Perfect State,” 1914)
3. “We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can.” (Book, “archy and mehitabel,” 1927)
4. “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” (Interview, New York Times, 1930)
5. “A pessimist is a man who looks both ways before crossing a one-way street.” (Book, “The Lives and Times of Archy and Mehitabel,” 1935)
6. “Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” (Book, “Prefaces,” 1919)
7. “Happiness is the interval between periods of unhappiness.” (Interview, n.d.)
8. “Life is too short to be small.” (Book, “Sun Dial Time,” 1936)
9. “The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast.” (Book, “archy and mehitabel,” 1927)
10. “In order to influence a person, you must be able to amuse him.” (Interview, Saturday Evening Post, 1925)
11. “We pay for the mistakes of our ancestors, and it seems only fair that they should leave us the money to pay with.” (Book, “The Old Soak,” 1921)
12. “An idea is not responsible for the people who believe in it.” (Book, “Prefaces,” 1919)
13. “Publishing a volume of verse is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo.” (Interview, New York Herald Tribune, 1932)
14. “Life is a campaign not a battle, and has its defeats as well as its victories.” (Book, “Hermione and Her Little Group of Serious Thinkers,” 1916)
15. “The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry.” (Book, “The Lives and Times of Archy and Mehitabel,” 1935)
These quotes reveal Don Marquis as a keen observer of life’s absurdities and complexities, blending humor with profound insight. His words highlight a philosophy that embraces resilience, wit, and the human condition, reminding us to find joy amid challenges. What do these quotes say to you? Share your favorite or add your thoughts in the comments below to keep the conversation going.