Erich Segal Quotes

Powerful Erich Segal for Daily Growth

About Erich Segal

Erich Segal (1937-2010) was an American novelist, screenwriter, and attorney, best known as the author of 'Love Story,' a groundbreaking romantic novel that became a cultural phenomenon. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 15, 1937, Segal grew up in a Jewish family and attended Erasmus Hall High School before graduating from Columbia University with a Bachelor's degree in English. He later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. In the late 1960s, Segal began his literary career as a lecturer at Harvard and then became a visiting professor at Yale University. It was during this time that he wrote 'Love Story,' which was published in 1970. The novel, a modern retelling of Pygmalion and Galatea set against the backdrop of Ivy League academia, quickly rose to the top of bestseller lists and spawned a successful film adaptation starring Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw. Segal continued to write novels throughout his career, including 'The Class,' 'Doctors,' and 'Jenny.' He also had a successful career as a screenwriter, working on films such as 'King Kong,' 'Flash Gordon,' and 'The James Bond Story.' Despite his success in both literature and film, Segal returned to academia, serving as a professor at Boston University and the New York University School of Law. Throughout his life, Segal remained an influential figure in popular culture, particularly in the realm of romance and the arts. He passed away on January 28, 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy of work that continues to captivate readers around the world. One of his most famous quotes reflects his enduring commitment to love: "Love is like the wind; you can't see it, but you know it's there."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love means not ever having to say you're sorry."

This quote by Erich Sega signifies a profound level of understanding, acceptance, and unconditional love between two people. It suggests that in a perfect relationship, apologies would be unnecessary because partners know each other so well, respect each other's feelings, and work through issues without causing intentional harm or offense. The absence of the need to apologize reflects deep trust, mutual understanding, and unwavering love between the two individuals.


"All you need is love... but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

This quote by Erich Segal emphasizes that while love is the fundamental requirement for a fulfilling life, small indulgences or pleasures such as chocolate can bring joy and make our experiences even more delightful. It suggests that balance between essentials (love) and simple luxuries (chocolate) contributes to a happy and contented existence.


"To understand is to be able to explain to your own satisfaction why the other person says, thinks, feels, and does what he does. Compassion requires us to go an important step further: feeling the pain of others as if it were our own, and wanting to remove their suffering."

This quote by Erich Segal emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in human relationships. It suggests that true comprehension goes beyond just knowing why someone acts, thinks, or feels a certain way – it's about identifying with their experiences to the point where one can explain them from their perspective. Compassion, as defined here, is not just feeling sympathy for another person's pain but experiencing it as if it were one's own and taking action to alleviate that suffering. In essence, Segal is encouraging us to look beyond ourselves and understand others deeply so we can show genuine care and act with kindness.


"The best moment to quit a bad habit is now. The second best time is... was six months ago."

This quote emphasizes that the optimal time to break free from an unfavorable habit or behavior is always in the present moment, as procrastination can allow the habit to further entrench itself. The "six months ago" part underscores a common regret many people feel when reflecting on past opportunities to change for the better but did not seize them. In essence, it encourages taking action to improve oneself immediately rather than dwelling on missed chances in the past.


"The truth is that in every individual human life there comes a moment when the person must choose between comfort and vision."

This quote emphasizes that in everyone's life, there comes a time where one must make a choice between settling for comfort or pursuing a more challenging, but potentially rewarding, vision. Comfort typically refers to maintaining the status quo, choosing familiarity over change, while vision signifies having a clear idea of what you want to achieve and being willing to take risks to make it happen. The decision between these two paths can significantly shape a person's life trajectory and future achievements.


I wrote 'Yellow Submarine' for the Beatles. I wrote the screenplay for 'The Games,' about the Olympic Games. I wrote 'Love Story,' both the novel and the screenplay. I wrote 'RPM' for Stanley Kramer. Plus, I wrote two scholarly books and a 400-page translation from the Latin, and I dated June Wilkinson!

- Erich Segal

Love, Love Story, Olympic, Latin

I went into Harvard one way and came out a different person... It's the air at Harvard; it's like a Renaissance court.

- Erich Segal

Like, Air, Renaissance, Harvard

True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked.

- Erich Segal

Love, Bells, Flashing Lights, Lights

Sometimes I amaze even myself.

- Erich Segal

Myself, Sometimes, Even, Amaze

This isn't a watercolor, it's a mural.

- Erich Segal

Watercolor, Mural

Professors of classics - not even a professor of English - professors of classics, they're something sacred; it's almost like being a priest.

- Erich Segal

Classics, Like, Almost, Professors

Love means not ever having to say you're sorry.

- Erich Segal

Love, Means, Ever, Sorry

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