Albert Ellis Quotes, born September 27, 1913, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an American psychologist who founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a pioneering form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Renowned for his direct, practical approach to mental health, Ellis authored over 80 books, including A Guide to Rational Living (1961), and helped millions challenge irrational beliefs to live more fulfilling lives. These 15 quotes—sourced from his writings, interviews, and public statements—reflect his wisdom on self-acceptance, resilience, and rational thinking, capturing his bold and transformative legacy.
15 Albert Ellis Quotes
- “The art of love is largely the art of persistence.” (Book, The Art and Science of Love, 1960)
- “You largely construct your depression. It wasn’t given to you. Therefore, you can deconstruct it.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “There are three musts that hold us back: I must do well. You must treat me well. And the world must be easy.” (Book, How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything, 1988)
- “Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because they’re alive and human.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.” (Book, A Guide to Rational Living, 1961)
- “Stop shoulding on yourself and start living.” (Lecture, quoted in The Albert Ellis Reader, 1998)
- “Rational beliefs bring us closer to getting good results in the real world.” (Book, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, 1999)
- “You don’t need to be loved or approved by others to feel good about yourself.” (Interview, Psychology Today, 1985)
- “Neurosis is just a high-class word for whining.” (Book, How to Control Your Anxiety Before It Controls You, 1998)
- “By not caring too much about what people think, I’m able to think for myself and propagate ideas which are very often unpopular.” (Post on X, @AlbertEllisInst, 2020-09-27)
- “Self-esteem is the greatest sickness known to man or woman because it’s conditional.” (Interview, The New York Times, 2000)
- “People don’t just get upset. They contribute to their upsetness.” (Book, Feeling Better, Getting Better, Staying Better, 2001)
- “If something is irrational, that means it won’t work. It’s usually unrealistic.” (Interview, QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.” (Book, How to Make Yourself Happy and Remarkably Less Disturbable, 1999)
- “Happiness is not a gift—it’s a skill you can learn.” (Interview, The Washington Post, 1995)
Albert Ellis’s quotes blend sharp wit, practical wisdom, and unapologetic clarity, inspiring us to challenge irrational thoughts, embrace self-acceptance, and take charge of our emotional lives. Which one empowers you to think rationally today? Drop it in the comments and keep Ellis’s transformative legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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