Earl Wilson Quotes

Powerful Earl Wilson for Daily Growth

About Earl Wilson

Earl Wilson (1936-2007) was an influential American humorist, columnist, and author, whose wit and charm captivated millions of readers worldwide. Born on February 8, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, Wilson grew up in a loving family that included eight siblings. His unique comedic perspective was molded by his experiences growing up in inner-city Baltimore, as well as the strong influence of his father, Earl Sr., who encouraged Wilson's humor and storytelling from an early age. Wilson began his career in journalism at The Baltimore Afro-American newspaper while still a teenager. His quick wit and keen eye for satire soon caught the attention of readers, leading to him being offered a column in The New York Post in 1962. Wilson's syndicated humor column, "Wilson's World," became one of the most popular in America, running for over four decades and attracting a readership in the millions. Known for his incisive social commentary and razor-sharp wit, Wilson tackled issues of race, politics, and society with a humor that was both intelligent and accessible to all readers. His work gained him numerous accolades, including two Pulitzer Prize nominations and being awarded the National Association of Black Journalists' Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. In addition to his columns, Wilson authored several books, including "Living Single: Survival Guide for the Unmarried Woman" (1964), "Earl Wilson's Book of Great Quotations" (1975), and "Earl Wilson's Book of Great Quotes About Black People" (2005). Earl Wilson passed away on October 8, 2007. His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists, writers, and humorists, as his timeless wisdom and insightful humor remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

The quote by Earl Wilson signifies that continual change is an inherent aspect of life, making it essential for individuals to adapt and look forward rather than dwelling on the past or staying static in the present. To stay relevant and progress, it's crucial to embrace change, anticipate future developments, and seize new opportunities as they emerge.


"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

This quote suggests a proactive approach to dealing with dissatisfaction or adversity in one's life. When faced with an undesirable situation, the first action is to attempt to change it if possible. However, if changing the situation isn't feasible, then adjusting one's attitude towards it can bring about a positive shift. In essence, it encourages resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or difficulties.


"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This quote emphasizes the power of optimism, resilience, and belief in one's aspirations. It suggests that those who have faith in their dreams - those ideas, goals, or visions that inspire them - will be the ones to shape the future. This belief in one's dreams propels individuals forward, driving them to work hard and persist despite obstacles, ultimately leading to success. In other words, having hope and conviction in your vision of the future can transform dreams into reality.


"Success is not a destination, it's a journey."

This quote by Earl Wilson highlights that success isn't solely about reaching a specific goal or accomplishment, but rather it's about the process and growth we experience during our pursuit of it. It emphasizes that the journey towards achievement, filled with learning, resilience, determination, and adaptability, is just as important as the destination itself. In other words, cherish the progress you make along the way because true success lies in the experiences gained and the person you become during your quest for excellence.


"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."

This quote emphasizes self-belief and inner strength as a means to overcome challenges. It encourages individuals to recognize their potential, understand that they possess unique qualities and abilities, and trust in themselves enough to surmount the difficulties that life presents. Essentially, it's a call to action for personal empowerment, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity.


If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

- Earl Wilson

Think, Alive, Cares, Couple

An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn't happen.

- Earl Wilson

Expert, Will, Happen, Economist

A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking.

- Earl Wilson

Been, Longer, Take, Taking

Ever notice that the whisper of temptation can be heard farther than the loudest call to duty.

- Earl Wilson

Temptation, Call, Ever, Loudest

You may not be able to read a doctor's handwriting and prescription, but you'll notice his bills are neatly typewritten.

- Earl Wilson

Medical, May, Read, Handwriting

Benjamin Franklin may have discovered electricity, but it was the man who invented the meter who made the money.

- Earl Wilson

May, Benjamin Franklin, Meter

Nonchalance is the ability to remain down to earth when everything else is up in the air.

- Earl Wilson

Earth, Remain, Else, Everything Else

One way to get high blood pressure is to go mountain climbing over molehills.

- Earl Wilson

Pressure, Go, Over, Climbing

Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death.

- Earl Wilson

Art, Death, Only, Scared

Nothing is as embarrassing as watching your boss do something you assured him couldn't be done.

- Earl Wilson

Boss, Nothing, Assured, Embarrassing

The fastest way for a politician to become an elder statesman is to lose an election.

- Earl Wilson

Election, Statesman, Fastest, Elder

Isn't it a shame that future generations can't be here to see all the wonderful things we're doing with their money?

- Earl Wilson

Money, Shame, Here, Wonderful Things

Experience is what enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

- Earl Wilson

Experience, Mistake, Again, Enables

He's an honest man - you could shoot craps with him over the telephone.

- Earl Wilson

Honest, Over, Could, Shoot

Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough.

- Earl Wilson

Snow, Adolescence, Only, Problems

Today's accent may be on youth, but the stress is still on the parents.

- Earl Wilson

Stress, May, Still, Accent

Gossip is when you hear something you like about someone you don't.

- Earl Wilson

Someone, Like, About, Hear

The man who didn't want his wife to work has been succeeded by the man who asks about her chances of getting a raise.

- Earl Wilson

Wife, Equality, Been, Chances

To sell something, tell a woman it's a bargain; tell a man it's deductible.

- Earl Wilson

Woman, Tell, Sell, Bargain

Middle Age - later than you think and sooner than you expect.

- Earl Wilson

Think, Middle, Expect, Middle Age

Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure.

- Earl Wilson

Success, Luck, Success Is, Simply

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

- Earl Wilson

Game, Nervous, Nine, Breakdown

He was so honest you could play craps with him over the phone.

- Earl Wilson

Play, Over, Could, Phone

Poise: the ability to be ill at ease inconspicuously.

- Earl Wilson

Ability, Ease, Ill, Poise

This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt.

- Earl Wilson

Love, More, Couples, Debt

Always remember, money isn't everything - but also remember to make a lot of it before talking such fool nonsense.

- Earl Wilson

Remember, Always, Lot, Nonsense

Science may never come up with a better office communication system than the coffee break.

- Earl Wilson

Communication, Never, Better, Coffee

A woman may race to get a man a gift but it always ends in a tie.

- Earl Wilson

Woman, Gift, Always, Tie

Home, nowadays, is a place where part of the family waits till the rest of the family brings the car back.

- Earl Wilson

Home, Rest, Till, Nowadays

If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it.

- Earl Wilson

You, Say, Write, Sign

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