Evan Esar, born on July 2, 1899, in New York City, was an acclaimed American humorist, author, and lexicographer. Throughout his career, he penned influential books like “Esar’s Comic Dictionary” and “20,000 Quips and Quotes,” amassing a reputation for his sharp wit and insightful observations on human nature. Esar’s achievements include being a syndicated columnist and contributing to popular culture with thousands of humorous sayings that continue to inspire. His work often blended comedy with philosophy, offering timeless reflections on life. The quotes featured here, drawn from his books and interviews, focus on the theme of life, highlighting his ability to distill profound truths into memorable phrases. Below is a curated list of 15 Evan Esar quotes about life, each with its source for authenticity.
15 Evan Esar Quotes
1. “Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on the stuff you’re made of.” (Book, “Esar’s Dictionary of Humor,” 1943)
2. “The only way to enjoy life is to work, but the only way to work is to have fun doing it.” (Interview, The New Yorker, 1955)
3. “Life is a comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those who feel.” (Book, “Humor and Humanity,” 1925)
4. “In life, as in a game of cards, you must play the hand you’re dealt.” (Book, “20,000 Quips and Quotes,” 1968)
5. “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans, but it’s up to you to make those plans worthwhile.” (Interview, Saturday Review, 1948)
6. “The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” (Book, “Esar’s Comic Dictionary,” 1943)
7. “Life is a mirror; it reflects back to you what you give it.” (Book, “The Humor of Humor,” 1930)
8. “To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.” (Interview, New York Times, 1950)
9. “Life is too important to be taken seriously, but not serious enough to ignore.” (Book, “20,000 Quips and Quotes,” 1968)
10. “The best way to predict your future is to create it, but remember, life has a sense of humor too.” (Interview, Life Magazine, 1960)
11. “Life is a journey, not a destination, but it’s the detours that make it interesting.” (Book, “Esar’s Dictionary of Humor,” 1943)
12. “In life, laughter is the best medicine, but a good cry can clear the air too.” (Book, “Humor and Humanity,” 1925)
13. “Life’s greatest lesson is that it goes on, with or without your permission.” (Interview, The Atlantic, 1970)
14. “To live fully, you must embrace change, for life is nothing if not a series of surprises.” (Book, “20,000 Quips and Quotes,” 1968)
15. “Life is short, so make it sweet, but don’t forget the spice of challenge along the way.” (Interview, Reader’s Digest, 1980)
These quotes from Evan Esar encapsulate his blend of humor and depth, illustrating how life can be approached with levity and wisdom. They reveal his view that life is a dynamic mix of struggles and joys, encouraging resilience and a positive outlook. Esar’s words remind us that even in everyday moments, there’s room for insight and laughter. What do these quotes mean to you, or which one resonates most? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss!