Jeff Macnelly Quotes

Powerful Jeff Macnelly for Daily Growth

About Jeff Macnelly

Jeff MacNelly (July 15, 1947 - June 23, 2017) was an American cartoonist known for his bitingly satirical and humorous political cartoons. Born in Chicago, Illinois, MacNelly grew up surrounded by the city's rich artistic and political environment, which undoubtedly influenced his future work. MacNelly attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before embarking on a successful career in journalism. His professional journey began at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, where he worked as an assistant political cartoonist to the renowned Bill Mauldin. MacNelly later moved to the Washington Star and then to The Chicago Tribune, before joining the Syndicate Washington Post Writers Group in 1972. His most famous creation, "Shoe," a cynical and disillusioned turtle, made its debut in 1973. This comic strip, which ran until MacNelly's death, was a sharp commentary on American politics and society, often poking fun at politicians and the media alike. MacNelly's other popular works include "The Liars Club," a collection of his cartoons, and "Tales from the Vineyard," a satirical look at life in the White House during the Reagan administration. MacNelly's work was not only humorous but also insightful, reflecting a keen understanding of the complexities of American politics and society. His cartoons were widely syndicated and won numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Editorial Cartooning in 1980 and 1986. Despite his success, MacNelly remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his passing in 2017. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of cartoonists and political satirists.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Chase your dreams, but tie them firmly to reality."

This quote encourages ambition and pursuing one's goals (chase your dreams), but at the same time emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to practicality and feasibility (tying them firmly to reality). It suggests striking a balance between optimism and realism, as striving for lofty aspirations without considering their practical implementation can lead to disappointment. The message is: pursue your dreams, but ensure they are grounded in the realm of possibility, understanding resources, and constraints.


"Life is a series of choices; choose wisely."

Jeff Macnelly's quote emphasizes the significance of decision-making in our lives. It suggests that every moment, event, or situation we encounter presents an opportunity to make a choice, and these choices have profound effects on the trajectory of our lives. Therefore, it is crucial to be thoughtful, deliberate, and discerning when making decisions, as they shape our experiences and contribute to our personal growth and happiness.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill (often associated with Jeff MacNelly)

This quote emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of both success and failure. Success might be temporary, but it doesn't mean one should rest on their laurels. Similarly, failure is not a death sentence; it offers an opportunity to learn and grow. The real measure of one's character lies in the courage to keep pushing forward, even when faced with setbacks or challenges. It underscores the importance of grit, determination, and tenacity in achieving long-term goals.


"Don't worry about the world ending today... it's already tomorrow in Australia."

This quote serves as a reminder that time is relative and that we all experience it differently based on our geographical locations. It suggests that while concerns or problems may seem overwhelming in one place, there is always somewhere else where the day has moved forward, offering a fresh start or perspective. In essence, it encourages resilience, optimism, and the ability to find hope amidst adversity by recognizing that things change, and tomorrow can bring new opportunities.


"The best things in life are the people we love, the places we go, and the words we say... and the meals we eat!" - (paraphrased from a comic strip)

This quote emphasizes that the most valuable aspects of life revolve around our relationships with loved ones, our experiences and travels, the expressions we share, and the food we enjoy together. It suggests that these elements, both emotional (people, words) and physical (places, meals), enrich our lives significantly, making for a more fulfilling existence when experienced harmoniously.


Editorial pages all say, 'Well, the other guy has a point, too. It remains to be seen how this will come out. We certainly hope it comes out fine; blah, blah.' Cartoonists don't go that way. Our job is to stick out our tongues, to show a big raspberry to whatever pompous jerk happens to be mouthing off.

- Jeff MacNelly

Big, Other, Jerk, Remains

The best cartoons have no words at all - just the image pops out.

- Jeff MacNelly

Words, Image, Pops, Cartoons

I'm kind of a nerd. A square. And I'm terrible at telling jokes. I always forget the punch line.

- Jeff MacNelly

Kind, Always, Telling, Nerd

The best thing for my creative process is a deadline.

- Jeff MacNelly

Best, Process, Deadline, Creative Process

I'm looking forward to working for the 'Tribune' because any company that can invest in the Chicago Cubs has a view of the future we cannot begin to comprehend.

- Jeff MacNelly

Comprehend, Chicago Cubs, Cubs

That really has been my message over the years: 'Hey, we're all in this together, so let's laugh about it a little, please.' It adds perspective to an argument if you know where you're coming from.

- Jeff MacNelly

Argument, Been, About, Hey

Political cartoonists get hung up on daily deadlines and the front page. The worst thing you can do is open up the newspaper and ask, 'What's funny about this?'

- Jeff MacNelly

Newspaper, Worst Thing, Deadlines

My father was very methodical about life. He'd always ask me, 'Now, what's your system? What's your schedule like?' I have no big system, no rigid schedule. When he would ask, 'How do you do this? Give it to me step by step,' I'd try to convince him that there were no step-by-steps.

- Jeff MacNelly

Father, Big, Very, Methodical

If you're a balanced cartoonist, you're not a cartoonist. You definitely have to have a bias.

- Jeff MacNelly

Definitely, Cartoonist, Bias

I really do have a self-censorship problem, which isn't the way you should be if you're a cartoonist.

- Jeff MacNelly

Problem, Should, Which, Cartoonist

The problem when you're a cartoonist and you go into the voting booth is that you have your choice of two guys - one would be best for your country, and one would be best for your business.

- Jeff MacNelly

Business, Country, Go, Cartoonist

Because of my grey hair and glasses, people think I'm Phil Donahue.

- Jeff MacNelly

Hair, Glasses, Think, Phil

I thought that through the strip, I could vent my spleen and be funny at the same time. But when it comes to humor, there's no substitute for reality and politicians.

- Jeff MacNelly

Thought, Through, Vent, Strip

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