As an elementary education major and an avid children’s book reader, I often look to Dr. Seuss for philosophical life lessons because who is better to get life lessons from than someone who can teach us them in 500 words or less.

While there are numerous life lessons that Dr. Seuss attempted to teach both adults and children in his beloved books, I have found 15 life lessons that have guided me in my 18 brief years of life.

1. Individuality

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

2. Make your own destiny

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go..."

"You're off to great places! Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way."

3. You can make a difference

4. You matter

5. Sometimes things don't go our way

"I'm sorry to say so, but sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you."

6. Just try

7. You can (and will) be successful

8. Have balance in your life

9. Be appreciative and grateful

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

10. It's normal to feel scared and alone

"And when you're alone there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on."

11. Every person matters

12. Equality and equity

"The Sneetches got really quite smart on that day. The day they decided that Sneetches are Sneetches. And no kind of Sneetch is the best on the beaches. That day, all the Sneetches forgot about the stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars."

13. Smile more and be happy

"Teeth are always in style."

14. Never stop learning

15. Enjoy every moment you have

"Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."