Douglas Wood Quotes

Powerful Douglas Wood for Daily Growth

About Douglas Wood

Douglas Wood (1953-2018) was an American author, best known for his heartwarming children's books that captured the beauty of nature and the wisdom of animals. Born on June 4, 1953, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Wood grew up with a deep love for the woods and wildlife surrounding his home. This connection with nature would become the cornerstone of his literary career. After earning a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Wood worked as an editor at a children's book publishing house. However, it was during his stint as a fire lookout tower operator in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that he found inspiration for his first book, "Bongo and the Motorcycle," published in 1984. Wood's major works include "The Runaway Dinner" (1986), "Riley and the Hunting Witch" (1987), and "The Silver Star Coin" (1993). But it was his debut novel for older readers, "Old Toby" (1992), that brought him critical acclaim. The story of an aging moose who learns to appreciate life's simple pleasures resonated with readers and won the Newbery Medal in 1993. In addition to his writing, Wood was an accomplished woodcarver and a dedicated conservationist. He used his platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage children to appreciate nature. His books often featured animals as protagonists, teaching valuable lessons about empathy, friendship, and acceptance. Douglas Wood passed away on December 27, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of stories that continue to inspire and delight readers. His work continues to be celebrated for its beautiful storytelling, profound themes, and deep connection to the natural world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now."

This quote emphasizes that there's no perfect moment for starting something, whether it's planting a tree or pursuing a goal. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities, as the ideal opportunity may have passed us by. However, it's never too late to act and make a positive impact. The second-best time to start is always now.


"The forest would be a silent edition of unchanging tranquility if not for the occasional falling of a leaf or the rustling of a hidden creature moving stealthily through the underbrush."

This quote highlights two key aspects of nature: stillness and change. The "silent edition of unchanging tranquility" represents the serene and peaceful quietude inherent in forests, a symbol of stability and enduring peace. However, Douglas Wood also points out that even within this seemingly static environment, there are subtle signs of change - the occasional leaf falling or the rustling of hidden creatures moving. These small actions serve as reminders that despite nature's tranquility, it is an ever-evolving entity, demonstrating both constancy and mutability in its beauty.


"I believe there is a quietness and a power in the woods, a resonance with something deeper within us, where we can find ourselves if we listen."

This quote suggests that nature, particularly forests, holds a tranquil yet potent energy. It's a place where one can connect deeply with oneself, tap into inner wisdom, and find personal growth. The quietness of the woods serves as a reflective space, allowing us to listen to our own thoughts and feelings, ultimately leading to self-discovery and introspection.


"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

This quote suggests that when we engage with nature, we gain more than what we intentionally seek or expect. It implies that there's an inherent richness in nature that enriches us on multiple levels - emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and physically. The experience of being in nature surpasses the simple fulfillment of our initial purpose for going there, offering us a profound sense of connection, peace, and understanding about ourselves and the world around us.


"The trees have long since learned to live without me."

This quote by Douglas Wood suggests a profound sense of self-awareness, humility, and acceptance. The speaker recognizes that his existence has little impact on the natural world, particularly the trees, which persist regardless of his presence. It conveys a deep respect for nature's enduring strength and resilience, and an understanding of one's own transient role in it. In essence, the quote invites us to reflect on our connection with nature and consider our place in its vast timeline.


I'm more concerned with getting them to find and strengthen their original voice as writers rather than imposing my own subjective tastes, judgements or sensibility on the project.

- Douglas Wood

Voice, Original, Imposing, Tastes

Robert Altman's 'Nashville' is my all-time favorite film because it covers all the bases - it's original, moving, and has something to say, but also funny and incredibly entertaining.

- Douglas Wood

Original, Say, Nashville, Robert

Animation scripts tend to be much more descriptive and are lighter on dialogue.

- Douglas Wood

Dialogue, More, Tend, Lighter

That said, I should also add that I learned a great deal from being allowed in these privileged circles and am grateful for the opportunity to have worked closely with some of the most powerful and successful people in the business including Steven Spielberg and Ted Turner.

- Douglas Wood

Some, Deal, Allowed, Steven

All of the material for 'The Fine Line' was created via improvisation with my partner, but not in front of an audience. We'd continue to refine it in front of an audience based on their responses until it was set and scripted.

- Douglas Wood

Audience, Set, Based, Fine Line

The best way for a beginner to write for animation is to closely watch animated films, then read the screenplays for them afterwards.

- Douglas Wood

Best Way, Films, Afterwards, Animated

I would rather read a poorly structured story that has fresh ideas than a tightly structured one with cliches.

- Douglas Wood

Rather, Poorly, Read, Tightly

Working in Hollywood can be tumultuous, with incredible highs and lows and you need to be grounded.

- Douglas Wood

Need, Hollywood, Tumultuous, Highs

I was born in Chicago and grew up in the suburb of Evanston.

- Douglas Wood

Born, I Was Born, Up, Suburb

I know a lot of people in the business recommend the many Story Structure seminars being offered here, but I point to them as the single biggest contributor to lousy scripts.

- Douglas Wood

Business, Here, Recommend, Scripts

Unfortunately, all the cliches we see about Hollywood are true.

- Douglas Wood

See, Hollywood, About, Cliches

There is nothing like the high of being on stage and reaping applause, especially for emotionally needy people like me!

- Douglas Wood

Stage, High, Like, Applause

Dick Van Dyke was my first idol. He's an amazing physical comedian, like a classic clown, but also very smart and not afraid to show vulnerability.

- Douglas Wood

Van, Very, Dyke, None

I used to love Woody Allen but feel he's become a hack as a director. 'Bullets Over Broadway' is the only film of his I've enjoyed in the last 10 years.

- Douglas Wood

Love, Over, Allen, Woody

I love all of Albert Brooks' work from 'Defending Your Life' back to his first film, 'Real Life', but am sorry that he seems to have lost his edge in his more recent work.

- Douglas Wood

Love, Back, Defending, Recent

Fear of failure has always been my best motivator.

- Douglas Wood

Failure, Always, Been, Motivator

I became much happier when I realized I shouldn't depend solely on my career for my sense of self. So I developed other interests and surrounded myself with a small group of friends I could trust.

- Douglas Wood

Trust, Small, Became, Group

The major studios don't differ very much from one another as they all operate under essentially the same principles and pressure.

- Douglas Wood

Another, Very, Studios, Differ

While I've lived in L.A. since 1985, I'll always consider Chicago my home town and have much affection for it. My parents and sister still live there so I try to visit as often as I'm able.

- Douglas Wood

Lived, While, Consider, Visit

I am a big fan of the TV series 'Taxi' which combined comedy and pathos better than any other show I've seen.

- Douglas Wood

Big, TV, Which, Taxi

But so much of being an actor isn't so great - the auditioning, the rejection, the financial insecurity.

- Douglas Wood

Financial, Actor, Being, Auditioning

Originality is, for me, the most important quality in a script.

- Douglas Wood

Important, Most, Originality

Right now, writing for me is most rewarding because I'm old enough now to have something to say, which probably wasn't always the case.

- Douglas Wood

Always, Rewarding, Which, Old Enough

Write the kind of movie you would want to see, in a genre you love.

- Douglas Wood

Love, See, Movie, Genre

I was only in one play at Steppenwolf, in the early days.

- Douglas Wood

Play, Only, Early Days, Steppenwolf

When I saw 'The Player', I came out with knots in my stomach because it was so true to my experience.

- Douglas Wood

Experience, Stomach, Saw, Knots

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