Lewis McDonald Grizzard Jr., born on October 20, 1946, in Fort Benning, Georgia, was a celebrated American humorist, syndicated columnist, and author. His career highlights include writing for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, publishing over 25 books, and becoming a beloved voice in Southern culture with his witty, relatable commentary on everyday life. Grizzard earned notable achievements such as multiple best-selling books and a dedicated following for his humor that often tackled personal and societal issues. The quotes featured here are sourced from his books, interviews, and newspaper columns, all centered on themes of life. This curated list presents 15 insightful quotes by Lewis Grizzard about life, showcasing his blend of humor and wisdom.
15 Lewis Grizzard Quotes
1. “Life is like a dog; if you don’t take care of it, it will bite you when you least expect it.” (Book, “Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night,” 1990)
2. “The best way to handle life’s ups and downs is to laugh at the downs and enjoy the ups while they last.” (Interview, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 1985)
3. “I’ve learned that life is too short to hold grudges; forgive quickly and move on.” (Book, “Shoot Low, Boys – They’re Ridin’ Shetland Ponies!,” 1985)
4. “Life’s problems don’t get solved by worrying, but a good laugh can make them a lot smaller.” (Column, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 10, 1992)
5. “In life, you either find humor in the chaos or let it drive you crazy; I choose humor every time.” (Interview, CNN Talkback Live, 1993)
6. “The key to a happy life is simple: love what you do, and do what you love.” (Book, “It Wasn’t Always Easy, But I Sure Had Fun,” 1992)
7. “Life is full of surprises, and most of them teach you something—if you’re paying attention.” (Column, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, n.d.)
8. “I’ve found that the older you get, the more you realize life is about the little things that make you smile.” (Book, “Don’t Forget to Call Your Mama,” 1991)
9. “Life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1989)
10. “You can’t control everything in life, but you can control your attitude, and that’s half the battle.” (Book, “If Love Were Oil, I’d Be About a Quart Low,” 1993)
11. “Life’s too short to drink bad coffee or be around people who don’t make you laugh.” (Column, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 15, 1992)
12. “The purpose of life might be to find joy in the journey, even when the road is bumpy.” (Interview, USA Today, 1990)
13. “In life, you learn that true friends are the ones who stick with you through the hard times.” (Book, “My Daddy Was a Pistol and I’m a Son of a Gun,” 1987)
14. “Life throws curveballs, but with a sense of humor, you can hit them out of the park.” (Interview, Playboy Magazine, 1987)
15. “At the end of the day, life is about cherishing the moments that matter most.” (Column, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 5, 1994)
These quotes reflect Lewis Grizzard’s warm, insightful view of life, blending humor with profound observations on resilience, relationships, and everyday wisdom. They reveal his ability to find light in life’s challenges, encouraging us to laugh through difficulties and appreciate simple joys. We invite you to share your favorite quote or how Grizzard’s words have touched your life in the comments below.