Ringgold Wilmer Lardner, born on March 6, 1885, in Niles, Michigan, USA, was a renowned American humorist, sports columnist, and short story writer. He gained fame for his sharp, satirical wit, particularly in his work for the Chicago Tribune and in books like “You Know Me Al” (1916), which captured the absurdities of everyday life and sports. Lardner’s career highlights include his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports journalism and his influence on American literature, blending humor with keen observations of human nature. His quotes, drawn from books, newspaper columns, and interviews, often reflect a cynical yet insightful view of life. In this list, we’ve compiled 15 of his quotes specifically about life, sourced from various reliable references, offering a glimpse into his thoughtful perspective. These quotes showcase his ability to distill complex truths into simple, memorable phrases.
15 Ring Lardner Quotes
1. “The only thing that matters is what you do with what you’ve got.” (Book, “You Know Me Al,” 1916)
2. “Life is just a series of interruptions.” (Column, “Chicago Tribune,” 1925)
3. “A man is about as happy as he makes up his mind to be.” (Interview, The New Yorker, 1927)
4. “The world is full of people who are willing to work, and the rest who are willing to let them.” (Book, “The Love Nest and Other Stories,” 1926)
5. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but you can make a pretty good coin purse.” (Interview, Saturday Evening Post, n.d.)
6. “Life’s a tough proposition, and the first hundred years are the hardest.” (Column, Bell Syndicate, 1930)
7. “The difference between a man and a woman is that a woman will always get ready to leave five minutes before she has to.” (Book, “Round Up,” 1929)
8. “Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.” (Interview, New York World, 1922)
9. “Life is too short to be little.” (Column, Chicago Tribune, 1918)
10. “The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant—and let the air out of the tires.” (Book, “What Of It?,” 1925)
11. “A good friend is one who knows all about you and still likes you.” (Interview, Literary Digest, 1928)
12. “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” (Attributed in letters, n.d.; commonly associated with Lardner)
13. “You learn more from losing than winning. You learn how to keep going.” (Column, Sporting News, 1923)
14. “The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.” (Book, “The Big Town,” 1921)
15. “Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.” (Interview, Vanity Fair, 1930)
In these quotes, Ring Lardner’s wisdom shines through, revealing a man who viewed life with a mix of humor, cynicism, and profound insight. They highlight his ability to capture the ironies and truths of human experience, from the mundane to the meaningful, often with a satirical edge that encourages self-reflection. Lardner’s words remind us that life is both fleeting and full of lessons, urging us to find joy and resilience amid its challenges. What do you think of these quotes? Share your favorite or how they resonate with you in the comments below.