Ella Wheeler Wilcox Quotes

Powerful Ella Wheeler Wilcox for Daily Growth

About Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox (November 5, 1850 – October 30, 1919) was an influential American poet, journalist, and free thinker, renowned for her philosophical verses that often reflected the social issues of her time. Born in Wisconsin to a family of modest means, she was the youngest of seven children. Her father, Samuel J. Wheeler, was a blacksmith and farmer, while her mother, Mary Mariah Dixon, was a school teacher. Ella's love for poetry began at an early age, inspired by her poetic mother and her extensive collection of books. At 16, she published her first poem in the local newspaper, which ignited her passion for writing. In 1873, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she married David Wilcox, a lithographer who was also an aspiring poet. The couple had two daughters together. Ella's first book of poetry, 'Poems of Passion,' was published in 1874. However, it wasn't until her second collection, 'Songs of Famous Men and Great Affairs' (1893), that she gained significant recognition with the poem "Solitude," which is still among her most famous works. This period also saw Ella engaging with prominent figures such as Mark Twain, who became a close friend and mentor. In 1895, Ella published 'Problems,' a book that reflected her progressive views on women's rights, peace, and social justice. Her most celebrated work, 'The Word for the Week,' started in 1897, was a weekly column of inspirational verses that reached millions of readers through various newspapers. Ella Wheeler Wilcox's life and works continue to influence literature and thought, embodying the spirit of individuality, resilience, and progressive ideals. Her profound quotes like "Laugh and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone," remain as poignant today as they were when first penned.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Laugh and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone."

This quote by Ella Wheaker Wilcox emphasizes the power of positivity and empathy in human interactions. Laughter is contagious and when shared, it brings people closer, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy. Conversely, sadness or grief can be isolating, as others may not fully understand or share our feelings, making us feel alone in our sorrow. The quote encourages us to seek the company of those who will empathize with us during difficult times, while also emphasizing the importance of spreading positivity and laughter to uplift those around us.


"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

This quote by Ella Wheiler Wilcox emphasizes the importance of individuality, authenticity, and self-acceptance amidst societal pressures to conform. It suggests that one's greatest achievement is finding the courage and resilience to stay true to oneself, defying external expectations in pursuit of personal integrity and fulfillment. This quote reminds us that being yourself can sometimes be a challenge in a world eager to mold individuals into its image, but it holds immense value for self-discovery, growth, and happiness.


"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."

This quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox suggests that everyone has unique qualities and quirks (often referred to as 'weirdness'), and that life itself can be unpredictable and complex. When we encounter someone whose idiosyncrasies align with ours, we form a bond of mutual understanding and acceptance, which we label as love. In other words, love is finding and connecting with someone who accepts and appreciates our individuality and quirks, making us feel understood and accepted just as we are.


"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes."

Ella Wheeler Wilcox's quote emphasizes the importance of expressing one's thoughts honestly, even when faced with fear or uncertainty. It encourages individuals to find their voice, stand up for themselves, and share their perspectives with courage and authenticity. The trembling voice signifies the emotional vulnerability that often comes with honest expression, but it also underscores the strength and determination required to voice one's beliefs. In essence, Wilcox encourages us all to speak truthfully from our hearts, as this is essential for personal growth, fostering meaningful connections, and contributing positively to society.


"I must be a mermaid, Rango. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living."

This quote suggests that one should not shy away from deep exploration or challenging experiences in life, as they are essential for personal growth. Instead, the speaker desires to live a meaningful life rather than superficially going through the motions. The use of a mermaid metaphor implies a person who is comfortable with mystery and the unknown, embracing life's depths and complexity. In essence, this quote encourages us to dive deep into our passions, talents, and experiences, avoiding a trivial existence.


The man who radiates good cheer, who makes life happier wherever he meets it, is always a man of vision and faith.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Always, Makes, Meets, Good Cheer

The splendid discontent of God With chaos made the world. And from the discontent of man The worlds best progress springs.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Chaos, World, Worlds, Discontent

Love lights more fires than hate extinguishes, and men grow better as the world grows old.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Love, Grow, Grows, Fires

A weed is but an unloved flower.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Flower, Gardening, Unloved, Weed

Give us that grand word 'woman' once again, and let's have done with 'lady'; one's a term full of fine force, strong, beautiful, and firm, fit for the noblest use of tongue or pen; and one's a word for lackeys.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Strong, Woman, Give, Noblest

With care, and skill, and cunning art, She parried Time's malicious dart, And kept the years at bay, Till passion entered in her heart and aged her in a day!

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Art, Cunning, Till, Dart

The spark divine dwells in thee: let it grow.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Grow, Dwells, Thee, Spark

'Tis easy enough to be pleasant, When life flows along like a song; But the man worth while is the one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Men, Song, Like, Tis

With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Seed, Harvest, See, Sowing

So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind while just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Art, Kind, Needs, Wind

No difficulty can discourage, no obstacle dismay, no trouble dishearten the man who has acquired the art of being alive. Difficulties are but dares of fate, obstacles but hurdles to try his skill, troubles but bitter tonics to give him strength; and he rises higher and looms greater after each encounter with adversity.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Strength, Fate, Alive, Obstacle

All love that has not friendship for its base, is like a mansion built upon the sand.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Love, Friendship, Sand, Base

One ship drives east and other drives west by the same winds that blow. It's the set of the sails and not the gales that determines the way they go.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sails, Other, Set, Blow

When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

New, Restless, Craving, Tire

It has ever been since time began, and ever will be, till time lose breath, that love is a mood - no more - to man, and love to a woman is life or death.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Love, Been, Till, Love Is

There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Destiny, Chance, Firm, Hinder

Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Motivational, Work, Always, Greater

For an actress to be a success, she must have the face of Venus, the brains of a Minerva, the grace of Terpsichore, the memory of a Macaulay, the figure of Juno, and the hide of a rhinoceros.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Memory, Actress, Figure, Rhinoceros

You may choose your words like a connoisseur, And polish it up with art, But the word that sways, and stirs, and stays, Is the word that comes from the heart.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Art, Like, May, Connoisseur

Earth is the anteroom of Heaven, if we choose to see it so.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Earth, Choose, See, Heaven

Let there be many windows to your soul, that all the glory of the world may beautify it.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Soul, World, May, Windows

A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Kick, Pants, Pat, Few

And the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through tears.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Smile, Through, Shines, Praises

To sin by silence, when we should protest, Makes cowards out of men.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Men, Cowards, Should, Sin

The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Greatness, Mind, Truest, Lies

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