The most common book a child first receives is one by Dr. Seuss. His real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and for almost four decades Dr. Seuss has been teaching children to read, count, rhyme and be silly. His books manage to inspire creativity, individuality and a plethora of other valuable qualities. Most of us haven't read any books by Dr. Seuss in a while, except maybe "Oh, The Places You'll Go" before graduating. I am often reminded of the genius Dr.Seuss was and the impact that his books have had. After reading an academic essay about the political impact "The Lorax" and his other books have had, I was inspired to write this article and address other small impacts his writing has had. You might hear these quotes on a regular basis and you may not even realize they are from Dr.Seuss books.
Throughout this list I hope to uncover or remind you of the many great lessons that Dr. Seuss has taught children and adults for generations, and will continue to with his timeless writing.
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1. "Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!"
Individuality is important to be aware of. We are all unique and different that is OK! Be yourself.
2. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
The more educated you become the more opportunities arise for you. You can travel more and continue to learn, or even just go far with your career
3. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
This one motivates us to do whatever we want in life. As long as we have brains and feet we really can do what ever our heart desires, anything is possible.
4. "A person's a person, no matter how small."
Don't take this one so literally, and you will see the message he is sending is to treat all humans the same. Size, shape, color whatever it is that makes another person different than you, they are still a person. Don't forget that, human rights and respect are essential for humanity.
5. "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
If you haven't heard this you might be living under a rock. A simple line to remind us all to stay positive and happy, although there may be reason to be sad.
6. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
A personal favorite of mine. Originally referring to our care for the environment, but this quote can be interpreted into whatever your passion is. If something is not right, and no one cares, things will never change, so it is up to you and me—well, to us—to be the difference the world needs.
7. "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
Just a fact of life, well put Dr.Seuss.
8. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Classic inspiration to embrace who you are. There is no need to put up a front or be fake to people around you. Like the quote says, the people in your life that actually matter shouldn't and won't care what you do or say, because they love you for YOU.
9. "Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living."
If you don't have an imagination you aren't living. Reality can be boring and even make you sad, it is important to dream, and enjoy fantasy. You'll start living better if you do.
10. "I meant what I said, and I said what I meant."
Sometimes it is hard for people to understand your word. Make sure that when you speak you have the right intentions and you can back up your words, because they have an impact whether you realize it or not.
11. “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!”
Get out and pursue your goals, the only person stopping you is yourself.
12. “You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”
Let your inner weirdo out and change a child's world. Reading to them will make such a big impact for them. Make their day and tell them a story.
13. “Adults are just outdated children.”
Seriously though, we are all still children of someone, even our parents and grandparents. Their childhoods just expired.
14. “If things start happening, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.”
Everyone is going through life at a different pace. Don't be discouraged if the people around you seem to be succeeding while you aren't. Your time will come, so don't get too upset.
15. “So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that life’s a Great Balancing Act.”
There is so much that happens in our life that it become difficult sometimes to balance everything on our plate. Just be careful, and you'll do fine.
16. “If you never did you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.”
It is okay to have fun sometimes, and if you don't have fun then it is time you start.
17. "I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
Arm yourself for whatever negative trouble might come your way. If you are ready to take on the good times and the bad then, you'll always come out on top.
18. “Will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”
Success is measured by different standards. It is important to know that you can succeed and you will. Don't question your success—just achieve it.
19. “You do not like them. So you say. Try them! Try them! And you may!”
This is a good motto for trying new things. Whether its green eggs and ham, a new hobby, or even a new job. Don't knock it until you try it, and if you haven't tried something then you can't know for sure.
20. “And turtles, of course… all the turtles are FREE. As turtles and, maybe, ALL creatures should be."
The turtle part may not make sense, but this send and important message. We have decided that certain creatures should be controlled and contained by us. Even some humans are restrained in many different ways, including by society. Any creature should be free, whatever that freedom is, no matter where on earth.
I hope that you learned something new or rediscovered a love for Dr.Seuss. If neither of those managed to happen, I at least hope you had a laugh or a smile. Pass this on to remind others about the life lessons that can be learned from Dr.Seuss.
