Elbert Green Hubbard, born on June 19, 1856, in Bloomington, Illinois, USA, was a prolific American writer, publisher, and philosopher known for his wit and wisdom. He founded the Roycroft community, a hub for the Arts and Crafts movement, and achieved fame with his essay “A Message to Garcia” (1899), which promoted initiative and self-reliance. Hubbard’s career included editing magazines like “The Philistine” and authoring numerous books that blended humor, inspiration, and social commentary. He met a tragic end in 1915 aboard the RMS Lusitania. His quotes, often drawn from books, essays, and interviews, offer timeless insights into life. This list features 15 of his quotes specifically about life, showcasing his reflective and motivational style.
15 Elbert Hubbard Quotes
1. “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” (Book, “The Note Book”, 1927)
2. “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” (Book, “A Message to Garcia”, 1899)
3. “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” (Essay, “The Philistine”, 1902)
4. “Happiness is a habit—cultivate it.” (Book, “Health and Wealth”, 1908)
5. “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” (Essay, “Be a Good Animal”, 1910)
6. “Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” (Book, “The Philistine”, 1896)
7. “Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed—there’s so little competition.” (Book, “The Philistine”, 1895)
8. “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” (Interview, New York Times, 1908)
9. “Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.” (Book, “Selected Writings”, n.d.)
10. “Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” (Essay, “The Fra”, 1913)
11. “One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.” (Book, “A Message to Garcia”, 1899)
12. “The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: Be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.” (Book, “The Philistine”, 1900)
13. “God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars.” (Essay, “The Fra”, 1912)
14. “Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” (Book, “The Philistine”, 1897)
15. “The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” (Interview, Chicago Tribune, 1910)
These quotes from Elbert Hubbard reflect his deep understanding of life’s complexities, emphasizing humor, resilience, and the importance of living authentically. They reveal a man who valued personal growth, optimism, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges, drawing from his own experiences in writing and philosophy. Hubbard’s words continue to inspire, reminding us that life is meant to be embraced fully. What insights did you gain from these quotes? Share your favorite or thoughts in the comments below.