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George Kennedy Quotes

Powerful George Kennedy for Daily Growth

About George Kennedy

George Kennedy (October 18, 1925 – February 25, 2016) was an influential American academic, critic, and literary theorist, best known for his work in classical reception studies. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Kennedy attended Brown University as an undergraduate before earning his doctorate from Yale University in 1953. Kennedy's early academic career was marked by teaching positions at various universities, including Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley. However, it was his move to Stanford University in 1961 that cemented his reputation as a leading scholar in classical studies. He remained at Stanford until his retirement in 2005, serving as the Charles H. Carswell Professor of Rhetoric and Greek Literature. Kennedy's works significantly influenced the study of classical literature and its reception in modern culture. His seminal book, "The Art of Rhetoric in the Roman World" (1963), provided a comprehensive overview of ancient rhetorical theory and practice. Another influential work, "Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student" (1980), has become a standard text for students studying classical rhetoric. In addition to his scholarly works, Kennedy also wrote for a general audience, including the acclaimed book "Comparative Poetics: An Introduction" (1979) and "A Handbook of Classical Rhetorics" (1994). His final major work, "The Art of Biblical Narrative" (2003), explored the narrative structures of the Bible from a classical perspective. Throughout his career, Kennedy received numerous accolades for his scholarly contributions, including the National Humanities Medal in 1987 and the National Endowment for the Humanities Jefferson Lectureship in 1992. He was also a member of several prestigious academic societies, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. Kennedy's legacy continues to influence the fields of classical studies, literary theory, and comparative literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a wheel, and a wheel keeps on turning."

This quote by George Kennedy underscores the constant and unyielding nature of life. Just as a wheel never stops spinning, our lives too continue moving forward without pause or rest. It encourages resilience, suggesting that no matter how difficult circumstances may be, we must keep moving, adapting, and enduring because change is inevitable. The quote serves as a reminder to embrace the ebbs and flows of life, stay strong, and find the strength to keep going.

"Forgive but never forget might be logically untenable, but it is a basic act of human survival."

The quote emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in maintaining emotional well-being and social connections, despite the challenges of remembering past wrongs. While it may seem logically impossible to forget past hurts, the capacity for forgiveness allows individuals to move forward and avoid being consumed by resentment or bitterness. This, in turn, aids in human survival as it fosters healthier relationships and promotes personal growth and resilience.

"I'm not afraid of dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens."

This quote expresses a common human fear: the fear of the unknown. George Kennedy acknowledges that death is an inevitable part of life, but he does not desire to experience the moment of his own demise. Instead, he aspires for a peaceful and undramatic end, suggesting a preference for living life fully rather than dwelling on the eventuality of death.

"The truth about life is that nobody really knows anything."

This quote by George Kennedy emphasizes the inherent uncertainty that characterizes human understanding of life. It suggests that despite our best efforts to comprehend and predict the workings of existence, there remains a profound depth of mystery and unknowable aspects that elude us. In essence, it underscores the humbling recognition that no matter how much we learn or achieve, true knowledge about life in its entirety may forever remain elusive.

"We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act upon: that's who we really are."

This quote underscores the duality that exists within every individual, as people often embody a mix of positive and negative traits. The essence of this statement lies in the notion that our actions reflect our true nature, not just our inherent characteristics. It encourages individuals to consciously choose to act upon the lighter aspects of themselves, fostering personal growth, empathy, and harmony with others. In essence, the quote suggests that we have the power to shape our own identity by making thoughtful choices about how we engage with the world around us.

I had the good fortune of speaking with Orson Wells many decades ago and he said 'Success is primarily luck anyway.' And I have been very lucky. Of course, Orson Wells was enormously talented and brilliant - so who am I to argue with him!

- George Kennedy

Lucky, Been, Very, Who Am I

Of course, I also attribute some of my hearing loss to being in the infantry in World War II. It's probably a combination of heredity and noise exposure.

- George Kennedy

War, Some, Also, Heredity

My father died when I was 4 years old, so I can't really say anything about his hearing.

- George Kennedy

Father, Old, About, Hearing

I have been so fortunate and I really am appreciative of the success I've had.

- George Kennedy

Success, Been, Had, Appreciative

When you think of a movie, most people imagine a two hour finished, polished product. But to get to that two hour product, it can take hundreds or thousands of people many months of full time work.

- George Kennedy

Think, Product, Imagine, Hundreds

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