Great Throughts Treasury

This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Author of Life's Little Instruction Book and A Father's Book of Wisdom, not to be confused with the singer

"Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others."

"Life doesn't require that we be the best, only that we try our best."

"Live and learn and pass it on."

"Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems."

"Let your performance do the thinking."

"Life is slippery. We all need a loving hand to hold onto."

"Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own."

"Luck marches with those who give their very best"

"Marrying an old bachelor is like buying second-hand furniture."

"More look up and admire the stars. A champion climbs a mountain and grabs one."

"Never deprive someone of hope it may be all they have."

"Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness."

"Never forget the nine most important words of any family- I love you. You are beautiful. Please forgive me."

"More people rust out than wear out."

"Never make fun of someone who speaks broken English. It means they know another language."

"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts."

"Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day."

"Nothing important was ever achieved without someone taking a chance."

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do."

"Never underestimate the power of words to heal and reconcile relationships."

"Oh, the difference between nearly right and exactly right."

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

"Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor."

"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something. People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. If you know someone who tries to drown their sorrows, you might tell them sorrows know how to swim."

"Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends."

"Our religion is what you do when the sermon is over. Commit yourself to constant improvement. Commit yourself to quality. Be persistent, persistent, persistent... and have a grateful heart"

"Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye."

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways."

"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more."

"Tape record your parents' laughter."

"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get."

"The 3 most powerful resources you have available to you: love, prayer and forgiveness."

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."

"The display of status symbols is usually a result of low self-esteem. The self-confident person can afford to project a modest image."

"Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures."

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

"Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth."

"Wear audacious underwear under the most solemn business attire."

"Watch the sunrise at least once a year, put a lot of marshmallows in your hot chocolate, lie on your back and look at the stars, never buy a coffee table you can't put your feet on, never pass up a chance to jump on a trampoline, don't overlook life's small joys while searching for the big ones."

"Until it is kindled by a spirit as flamingly alive as the one which gave it birth a book is dead to us. Words divested of their magic are but dead hieroglyphs."

"When you can?t change the direction of the wind ? adjust your sails."

"We're constantly striving for success, fame and comfort when all we really need to be happy is someone or something to be enthusiastic about."

"When you have nothing important or interesting to say, don't let anyone persuade you to say it."

"When you hear a kind word spoken about a friend, tell him so."

"When you are angry or frustrated, what comes out? Whatever it is, it's a good indication of what you're made of."

"When you're feeling terrific, notify your face."

"You can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you better know something."

"You can always tell when a man's well informed. His views are pretty much like your own."

"You cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up up them."

"You can't hire someone to practice for you."