Frank Crane Quotes

Powerful Frank Crane for Daily Growth

About Frank Crane

Frank Crane (1874-1945) was an influential American journalist, editor, and radio broadcaster, known for his insightful essays and inspirational writings that spanned a wide range of subjects. Born on April 20, 1874, in Portland, Maine, Crane showed an early aptitude for writing and public speaking. He began his career as a reporter for the Boston Herald before moving to New York City where he joined the staff of the New York Press and later became editor of The American Magazine. Crane's journalistic career took a significant turn when he moved to London in 1905, serving as editor of The Windsor Magazine and becoming associated with prominent literary figures such as H.G. Wells and Arnold Bennett. His work during this period reflected a blend of social commentary and philosophical musings that would become a hallmark of his writing style. Upon returning to the United States in 1913, Crane continued to write for various publications while also delving into radio broadcasting. His weekly broadcasts on WJZ (later CBS) gained immense popularity due to his eloquent delivery and thought-provoking content. These broadcasts were later compiled into books such as "The Faith of Frank Crane" (1930) and "Tomorrow's Road" (1940). Crane's major works include "The Open Door" (1918), a collection of essays that explored the spiritual and intellectual aspects of life, and "The Unseen Hand" (1927), which delved into the role of destiny in human affairs. His writings were characterized by an optimistic outlook on life, a belief in human potential, and a profound appreciation for the beauty and mysteries of existence. Frank Crane passed away on February 8, 1945, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers and listeners today. His quotes reflect his deep insights into life, love, and the human spirit, making him a timeless figure in American literature and journalism.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist."

This quote by Frank Crane emphasizes an unwavering belief in success and determination, regardless of the odds. It suggests that one should approach every challenge with such conviction that the possibility of failure or defeat is inconceivable. In other words, it's a mindset that fosters perseverance, resilience, and optimism. This quote serves as a powerful reminder to maintain focus on our goals and avoid being discouraged by obstacles, as they should not deter us from pursuing our dreams.


"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

This quote by Frank Crane suggests that life should not be evaluated by its length, as determined by the number of breaths one takes, but rather by the significant, awe-inspiring experiences or moments that leave an indelible impact - those that momentarily take our breath away. In essence, Crane is emphasizing that it's the emotional intensity and extraordinary nature of certain life events, not their quantity, that truly define our existence.


"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."

This quote suggests that it is important to strive to be a positive role model or exemplar in life, but if one cannot do so, they should at least serve as a cautionary tale to others about the negative consequences of their actions or behavior. Essentially, if you can't inspire people through your good example, then use your mistakes as a warning for others to learn from and avoid similar pitfalls.


"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."

This quote by Frank Crane emphasizes that success is associated with continuous effort and persistence in the face of adversity or failure. In other words, successful individuals are those who maintain momentum, learn from their mistakes, and do not allow setbacks to deter them from achieving their goals. It encourages the idea that progress, even if imperfect, is essential for success.


"It's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years."

This quote emphasizes that it is not just the number of years a person lives, but rather how meaningful and fulfilled those years are, that truly matters. It encourages us to make every moment and opportunity count, to live intentionally and purposefully. So while we may all have a certain number of years in our lives, what makes each life unique is the quality, impact, and richness of those years.


Responsibility is the thing people dread most of all. Yet it is the one thing in the world that develops us, gives us manhood or womanhood fiber.

- Frank Crane

Dread, Fiber, One Thing, Womanhood

Next, in importance to books are their titles.

- Frank Crane

Next, Books, Importance, Titles

A good motto is: use friendliness but do not use your friends.

- Frank Crane

Motto, Use, Your, Friendliness

What is a friend? I will tell you... it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself.

- Frank Crane

Will, Tell, Someone, Dare

A friend is someone with whom you dare to be yourself.

- Frank Crane

Friend, Someone, Whom, Dare

You do not succeed because you do not know what you want, but because you don't want it intensely enough.

- Frank Crane

Succeed, Want, Know, Intensely

You are wise, witty and wonderful, but you spend too much time reading this sort of stuff.

- Frank Crane

Reading, Wonderful, Sort, Witty

Most of the things we decide are not what we know to be the best. We say yes, merely because we are driven into a corner and must say something.

- Frank Crane

Best, Yes, Decide, Driven

You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough.

- Frank Crane

Trust, May, Torment, Much

Your sole contribution to the sum of things is yourself.

- Frank Crane

Contribution, Things, Sole, Sum

Habits are safer than rules; you don't have to watch them. And you don't have to keep them either. They keep you.

- Frank Crane

Habits, Watch, Either, Safer

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.