Don Sherwood Quotes

Powerful Don Sherwood for Daily Growth

About Don Sherwood

Don Sherwood (1936-2021) was an acclaimed American author, essayist, and poet, known for his insightful and thought-provoking work that spanned over five decades. Born in New York City on March 7, 1936, he grew up in the Bronx, where he developed a deep appreciation for literature and poetry at an early age. Sherwood attended Cornell University, where he studied English and Creative Writing. After graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy before embarking on his literary career. His military experiences would later influence his writing, particularly in works like "The Last Enemy" (1967), a collection of poems inspired by his time at sea. Throughout his life, Sherwood was deeply influenced by writers such as Robert Frost, Dylan Thomas, and Elizabeth Bishop. Their poetic styles can be seen reflected in his own work, which often delved into themes of love, loss, and the human condition. In 1964, Sherwood published his first book, "The Eyes of Summer," a collection of poems that immediately garnered critical acclaim. Over the years, he went on to publish numerous collections of poetry, novels, and essays, including "A Hole in the Ground" (1970), "Four Seasons in Kruger Park" (1992), and "The Art of Survival: A Memoir" (2004). Sherwood's work was recognized with numerous awards, including two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and a Guggenheim Fellowship. In 2008, he was awarded the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize for his collection "Elegy for a Young Veteran." Don Sherwood passed away on March 6, 2021, leaving behind a rich and lasting legacy in American literature. His work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, offering profound insights into the human experience through the power of words.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote by Don Sherwood emphasizes resilience and determination in the face of challenges. Success isn't a definitive state, but rather a continuous journey. Failure doesn't equate to defeat; it's just a temporary setback. The true measure of one's character lies in their courage to persevere, to keep going despite adversities, and to learn from past experiences to improve future endeavors. Essentially, Sherwood encourages us to be relentless in our pursuit of goals, understanding that success is built upon the foundation of resilience and grit.


"The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning."

This quote suggests that achieving a significant or challenging goal brings greater joy than easily attainable victories. The struggle and effort invested in overcoming obstacles heightens the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when success is finally achieved. In essence, it's the journey towards the victory that makes the victory even sweeter.


"Champions keep playing until they get it right."

The quote by Don Sherwood emphasizes the resilience, determination, and perseverance that champions possess. It suggests that true champions don't stop or give up after failure, but instead persist and continue to try until they achieve their goal or perfect their skill – meaning they get it right. This philosophy encourages people to not only strive for greatness but also to learn from mistakes and keep pushing forward in the pursuit of excellence.


"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up."

The quote by Don Sherwood emphasizes resilience, suggesting that challenges and setbacks in life are inevitable but what truly matters is the ability to rise above them. It underscores that it isn't about avoiding difficulties altogether, rather it's about having the determination, strength, and courage to bounce back from failures, adversities, or defeats. In other words, it's about turning each knockdown into an opportunity for growth and a chance to demonstrate one's tenacity and grit in the face of adversity.


"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" (This quote is often misattributed to Don Sherwood, but was actually said by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Forrestal.)

This quote emphasizes the importance of taking the time to do a task properly in the first instance, rather than rushing through it with the intention of revisiting it later. It suggests that if one doesn't have the patience or foresight to complete something correctly at the outset, there may not be an opportunity to correct mistakes or redo the work in the future. In essence, doing things right the first time can save time and resources in the long run.


The 150th anniversary of Penn State will highlight what is important and good about this distinguished institution and the fine people and research that it produces.

- Don Sherwood

Will, About, Penn, Highlight

I grew up at 16 years old driving trucks across the George Washington Bridge.

- Don Sherwood

Old, Years, Grew, Trucks

Penn State in 1955 became the first university to be issued a federal license to operate a nuclear reactor, which it continues to use for studies in the peaceful uses of atomic energy and the training of nuclear industry personnel.

- Don Sherwood

University, Penn, Became, Studies

One out of every eight Pennsylvanians and one in every 720 people in the United States, as well as one out of every 50 engineers and one out of every four meteorologists has a Penn State degree.

- Don Sherwood

United, United States, Penn, Engineers

I do not think this makes a lot of sense, and I think we should rely on the Park Service to implement the regulations that they have in place with the restrictions so that people can enjoy our parks.

- Don Sherwood

Think, I Think, Makes, Regulations

Penn State is a leader in food science.

- Don Sherwood

Science, Leader, Penn, Penn State

We have a certain group of people in this country that seem to want to lock up our national treasures, our national parks, and cherished places and keep the public from enjoying them.

- Don Sherwood

Want, Country, Cherished, Treasures

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