George Segal Quotes

Powerful George Segal for Daily Growth

About George Segal

George Segal (1924-2000) was an accomplished American sculptor known for his innovative work in both public and private realms. Born on July 19, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents, Segal's artistic journey began at the age of thirteen when he received a scholarship to study at the Art Students League of New York. Segal served in the Army during World War II, where he was stationed in Europe and Africa. His experiences during this time, particularly witnessing the devastation of war, significantly influenced his later works, as he sought to capture the transient nature of life and human connections. Upon returning from the war, Segal enrolled at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art (now Parsons School of Design). He later studied with the abstract expressionist Hans Hofmann, but it was his encounter with French artist Jean Dubuffet that proved most transformative. Dubuffet's work inspired Segal to create his signature style: life-size figurative sculptures made from fiberglass and plaster, painted to mimic found objects like wood or metal. Segal's major works include "The Diner" (1962), a series of nine sculptures depicting a 1950s diner scene, now part of the permanent collection at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Other notable pieces include "The Williams Room" (1970) and "Breakfast Counter" (1982), both housed at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Throughout his career, Segal received numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1956, election as a National Academy of Design Associate in 1970, and the National Medal of Arts in 1986. George Segal passed away on November 25, 2000, leaving behind a lasting impact on modern sculpture. His work continues to be celebrated for its ability to capture everyday life with poignant realism and timeless appeal.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."

George Segal's quote, "The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat," suggests that the never-ending pursuit of success or material wealth, often symbolized by the rat race, doesn't guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Winning, achieving status, or accumulating wealth only confirms one's status as a participant in this competitive, relentless cycle, rather than bringing true contentment or personal growth. The implication is that it's important to reflect on the purpose and value of our pursuits, ensuring they contribute positively to our lives and well-being beyond just financial gain or social status.


"When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did, in his sleep. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car."

George Segal's quote humorously expresses a preference for a serene and peaceful end of life, resembling his grandfather's demise, as opposed to a chaotic or distressing one, symbolized by the passengers in his grandfather's car, likely referring to their panic during an accident. It reflects a desire for tranquility and grace at the moment of death.


"I'd rather be happy than right any day."

This quote by George Segal emphasizes that prioritizing personal happiness is more important than being right in a dispute or argument. It suggests that maintaining a positive emotional state, or happiness, should take precedence over proving one's point of view, as the benefits of being right may not outweigh the cost of strained relationships or negative emotions.


"The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth."

This quote emphasizes the inherent risk in assuming facts without verifying them first. It suggests that our assumptions, though often based on past experiences or beliefs, may not accurately represent reality. This can lead to misunderstandings, misjudgments, and potentially harmful actions if not checked with objective evidence. Therefore, it is important to question and validate our assumptions to ensure accuracy and promote a more informed perspective.


"Life is a succession of moments, and to live each one is to succeed."

George Segal's quote emphasizes that success in life lies not in achieving some distant, future goal, but in making the most out of every moment we experience. In other words, if we truly live each moment, we are already successful because we are making the best use of our present circumstances and embracing life as it unfolds. Each moment offers an opportunity for growth, learning, and personal fulfillment, and by seizing these moments, we create a successful life, one day at a time.


Even though the museums guarding their precious property fence everything off, in my own studio, I made them so you and I could walk in and around, and among these sculptures.

- George Segal

Own, Studio, Sculptures, Guarding

Farming with live animals is a 7 day a week, legal form of slavery.

- George Segal

Legal, Week, Form, Farming

What do I really think? What do I believe in, without the horse manure?

- George Segal

Horse, Believe, Think, Manure

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.