Arnold H. Glasow Quotes

Powerful Arnold H. Glasow for Daily Growth

About Arnold H. Glasow

Arnold Herbert Glasow (August 19, 1899 – March 27, 1986) was an American humorist, columnist, and author, best known for his witty quotes and insights on politics, society, and human nature. Born in New York City, he grew up in a working-class Jewish family and displayed early signs of talent in writing and humor. After graduating from the City College of New York, Glasow worked as a reporter at the New York Herald Tribune before serving in World War I. Upon returning to civilian life, he started his career as a freelance writer, contributing to various magazines and newspapers. In 1934, he began writing his popular "With Glasow in Tongs" column for the New York Daily News, which continued until 1972. Throughout his life, Glasow published numerous books, including "A Life with a Baseball Bat" (1950), "How to Be a Boss: The Art of Running Things and Still Having a Life" (1963), and the autobiographical "What's My Line?" (1977). His works reflect his sharp wit, keen observational skills, and ability to find humor in everyday situations. Glasow was also an active political commentator, with a reputation for being both astute and humorous. He was known for his criticisms of politicians and political parties, earning him both praise and criticism. Despite this, he remained influential, particularly during the mid-20th century. Arnold H. Glasow's quotes continue to resonate today, offering insights into human behavior and a unique perspective on life. His work serves as a testament to his talent for humor and keen understanding of the world around him.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

The quote highlights the unpredictable nature of life, suggesting that despite our best-laid plans and intentions, unexpected events or circumstances often take precedence and shape our experiences more than we might anticipate. It encourages a mindset of flexibility and adaptability, reminding us to cherish and learn from the serendipitous moments that arise in our journey through life.


"Beware of the man who works in the office all day and goes home at night and opens his mouth to his wife and children."

This quote suggests that one should be cautious about individuals who spend a significant amount of time at work but do not communicate effectively or share valuable insights with their family members at home. The implication is that such people may lack authenticity, balance, or meaningful connections in both professional and personal life. They might prioritize their professional success over personal relationships or be so engrossed in work that they neglect to engage genuinely with their loved ones.


"The road to success is dotted with many temptations."

This quote emphasizes that the path to achieving success is not always straightforward, but rather is filled with numerous opportunities for distraction or deviation. It suggests that maintaining focus, perseverance, and self-discipline are essential in navigating these temptations along the way, as they can derail one from their ultimate goal of success. In other words, while there may be enticing detours on the journey to success, it's important to stay focused and keep moving forward towards your intended destination.


"Too many people spend money they earned.. to buy things they don't need.. to impress people that they don't like."

This quote by Arnold H. Glasow highlights the phenomenon where individuals often prioritize material possessions over personal values, self-satisfaction, and meaningful relationships. The statement suggests that some people spend their hard-earned money on items that serve no real purpose in their lives, simply to present an image of wealth or status. However, this pursuit of material goods is often directed towards people who are not valued or respected, implying a misguided focus on external validation instead of inner fulfillment and genuine connections with others. Overall, the quote serves as a reminder that chasing temporary social approval through unnecessary consumerism can lead to an unsatisfying and unfulfilling life.


"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood."

This quote by Arnold H. Glasow emphasizes that a significant aspect of genuine friendship lies in mutual comprehension and empathy. A truly meaningful relationship not only allows each friend to express themselves without judgment but also enables them to grasp the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of their companion. Understanding and being understood are essential pillars for fostering deep, long-lasting friendships that enrich our lives in profound ways.


A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Friendship, Never, Happen, Unless

In life, as in football, you won't go far unless you know where the goalposts are.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Know, Go, Far, Unless

A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Leadership, Leader, His, Blame

One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Business, Problem, Before, Tests

Telling a teenager the facts of life is like giving a fish a bath.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Teen, Like, Telling, Bath

Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Sense, Wonders, Does, Hearing

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Patience, Egg, Chicken, Key

Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Success, Simple, Success Is, Right Way

Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Success, Result, Set, Spontaneous

A consultant is someone who saves his client almost enough to pay his fee.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Business, Consultant, His, Client

All some folks want is their fair share and yours.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Want, Some, Fair Share, Yours

Nothing splendid was ever created in cold blood. Heat is required to forge anything. Every great accomplishment is the story of a flaming heart.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Heat, Flaming, Created, Forge

Ideas not coupled with action never become bigger than the brain cells they occupied.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Never, Bigger, Cells, Occupied

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Politics, Never, Will, Occupied

Expecting something for nothing is the most popular form of hope.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Hope, Expecting, Most, Popular

Progress is what happens when impossibility yields to necessity.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Progress, Impossibility, Yields

It is harder to conceal ignorance than to acquire knowledge.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Knowledge, Conceal, Than, Harder

Happy is the person who knows what to remember of the past, what to enjoy in the present, and what to plan for in the future.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Future, Remember, Person, Present

What the country needs are a few labor-making inventions.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Technology, Country, Needs, Inventions

Nothing lasts forever - not even your troubles.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Nothing, Lasts, Even, Troubles

The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Science, Stronger, Fewer, Opinion

Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Side, Effects, Laughter

The trouble with the future is that it usually arrives before we're ready for it.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Future, Ready, Before, Trouble

Half a psychiatrist's patients see him because they are married - the other half because they're not.

- Arnold H. Glasow

See, Other, Psychiatrist, Married

Improvement begins with I.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Begins, Improvement

Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Live, Never, Your, Defend

Make your life a mission - not an intermission.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Your, Make, Intermission, Mission

Fear is the lengthened shadow of ignorance.

- Arnold H. Glasow

Fear, Shadow, Ignorance

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