Edwin Jackson Quotes

Powerful Edwin Jackson for Daily Growth

About Edwin Jackson

Edwin Jackson (1836-1900) was an influential American poet and lawyer, born in New York City on August 13, 1836. Raised by his uncle, John Jay Van Evrie, a prominent New York lawyer, Edwin's early years were steeped in the intellectual and political climate of mid-19th century America. After attending private schools in New York, Edwin enrolled at Columbia College (now Columbia University) but left before graduating to join the Union Army during the Civil War. He served as a lieutenant colonel and was appointed Judge Advocate General of the Department of the Gulf by President Abraham Lincoln. Post-war, Edwin returned to his studies, earning a law degree from Columbia Law School in 1865. He practiced law for several years before turning his attention fully to literature. His first major work, "Lyra Americana" (1874), a collection of poems reflecting on the Civil War and Reconstruction, was critically acclaimed. Edwin's later works, including "In Flanders Fields" (1880) and "The Golden Legend" (1892), demonstrated his mastery of verse and deep understanding of human emotion. His poems often explored themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, showcasing a sensitive yet powerful style that resonated with readers. In addition to his literary pursuits, Edwin was also a dedicated public servant. He served as a judge on New York's Court of Common Pleas from 1873 until his death in 1900. Throughout his life, Edwin Quinctus Jackson left an indelible mark on American literature and jurisprudence, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and legal wisdom.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

This quote suggests that life is not about enduring hardships or challenges passively, but about finding joy and learning in the midst of adversity. Just as one dances in the rain, we should embrace life's difficulties with resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude, rather than waiting for them to go away. The focus is on making the most out of every situation, even those that are challenging or uncomfortable, by finding opportunities for growth and learning within them.


"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

The quote underscores the idea that while we cannot undo past mistakes or alter the course of our lives from their inception, we have the power to shape our future by making positive changes starting from the present moment. Instead of dwelling on regrets or missed opportunities, focus on the possibilities ahead and work towards creating a better ending for ourselves.


"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

This quote emphasizes personal initiative and resilience. It suggests that instead of passively waiting for opportunities to come your way, one should be proactive in creating their own chances for success. By building a door where none exists, you're making it possible for opportunity to enter your life, regardless of whether it originally intended to do so or not. It's a powerful reminder that self-driven action and determination can open new paths forward.


"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."

The quote by Edwin Jackson, "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today," encourages individuals to avoid dwelling excessively on past events or mistakes, instead focusing on the present moment and moving forward in life. This proverbial advice underscores the importance of learning from experiences while maintaining a forward-thinking mindset that allows for personal growth and success.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote emphasizes the importance of passion in achieving greatness. To produce outstanding work, one should have a deep-seated affection for their craft or profession. When we love our work, it drives us to put in extra effort, learn more, and persist through challenges, ultimately leading to remarkable results. Therefore, it's essential to find and pursue the things that stir our hearts, as this passion fuels our ability to do great work.


I'm fast. I feel like I can feel things before the play starts. I think my reactions are quick. I think I have great vision. So, I use those.

- Edwin Jackson

Play, Think, Quick, Reactions

My mom, she cooks the best pound cakes in the world.

- Edwin Jackson

Mom, World, She, Pound

They tried to put me at tight end once, but I would end up just blocking people when they were actually trying to throw the ball to me. I was probably in middle school. It just didn't stick. Except on running plays.

- Edwin Jackson

Running, Tight, Put, Middle School

As a rookie, they don't really know your name.

- Edwin Jackson

Name, Know, Your, Rookie

It's just always been a knack for me to play defense.

- Edwin Jackson

Play, Always, Been, Knack

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