John Murray Quotes

Powerful John Murray for Daily Growth

About John Murray

John Murray Vaux (1834-1917), an influential American poet and journalist, was born on August 16, 1834, in New York City. Known for his work in both poetry and prose, he was a significant figure in the literary world of the late 19th century. Vaux's early years were marked by a deep interest in literature, which he nurtured through extensive reading. Influenced by the works of poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Vaux began writing poetry at an early age. His first significant work, "The Song of Hiawatha," was published in 1862, a decade before Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous version. In 1857, Vaux moved to San Francisco, where he became a journalist. He worked for several newspapers, including the San Francisco Bulletin and The Daily Alta California. During this period, he also continued writing poetry, with his most famous work, "The Sailor Boy," published in 1865. Vaux returned to New York in 1869 and resumed his journalistic career. He worked for The New York Times and other publications, eventually becoming a literary editor at Scribner's Magazine. His later works included "The Song of the Shadows" (1874), a collection of poems, and "John Brown: The Christian Hero" (1893), a biography of the abolitionist leader. Throughout his life, Vaux was known for his dedication to literature and his deep humanitarian spirit. His works continue to be appreciated for their poetic beauty and profound social commentary. John Murray Vaux passed away on March 17, 1917, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

The quote by John Murray, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he," emphasizes the powerful connection between our thoughts and our reality. Essentially, it suggests that our internal beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes shape who we are and what we become in life. Therefore, cultivating positive thoughts and maintaining a healthy mindset can lead to a fulfilling and successful existence.


"The greatest problem with communication as it is today is the illusion that it has been accomplished."

This quote by John Murray suggests that despite our constant interactions, conversations, and exchanges of information, true understanding or "communication" remains elusive in many instances. It underscores the idea that mere transmission of words or ideas does not guarantee comprehension on both sides. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations are common, making effective communication a complex challenge in today's world, where technology often facilitates quick but superficial interactions over deep, meaningful connections.


"To be content is to compare ourself with the weak and our circumstances with hardships, and to be discontent is to compare ourselves with the strong and our lot with favored circumstances."

This quote suggests that contentment arises when we measure ourselves against less fortunate individuals or challenging circumstances, while discontent stems from comparing ourselves to those who are more successful or enjoying more favorable situations. In essence, it implies that our level of satisfaction in life is largely determined by our perspective and the comparisons we make.


"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach."

This quote emphasizes that the true sorrow in life comes from a lack of aspirations or objectives, rather than from failing to achieve them. Having goals gives purpose and direction to our lives, providing us with something to strive towards and making our journey meaningful. The absence of goals can lead to aimlessness and dissatisfaction, creating a sense of tragedy in one's life. In essence, the quote encourages us to set goals and pursue them passionately to find fulfillment in our existence.


"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

This quote emphasizes that personal happiness is not a fixed state of being, but rather a result of one's intentional actions. In other words, it suggests that we have the power to create our own happiness through the choices we make, the attitudes we adopt, and the efforts we put forth in life. The implication is that we should strive to take proactive steps toward achieving happiness, rather than passively waiting for it to come to us.


It's nice to have a lot of people in the field. Independent, third party, Libertarian, Reform and other party candidates can do what they want to do. I welcome them to the race.

- John Murray

Independent, Race, Other, Libertarian

Development in this county is always going to be an issue. Until development and zoning are handled on a regional basis, rather than each municipality left to its own devices, we will suffer from developers having the upper hand in suits and in front of zoning boards.

- John Murray

Developers, Rather, Regional, Upper Hand

I'd like to see an arrested growth of development. You can't stop it, but it's important we do something about the developers having the upper hand.

- John Murray

Development, Arrested, Upper Hand

Taking Big Bird away from our five year olds, lunch money away from our ten year olds, job training programs away from our fifteen year olds, and college loans away from our twenty year olds is a disgrace.

- John Murray

College, Big, Fifteen, Job Training

All elections revolve around and are often resolved by who raises the most money. That's unfair. I'd like to see that process changed, but it seems once you win and get to Congress, that doesn't happen.

- John Murray

See, Congress, Around, Raises

Education, when delivered properly, can benefit a lot of people and make productive citizens out of those otherwise given no hope.

- John Murray

Education, Otherwise, Given, No Hope

So I will stand more steadfastly for the things I stand up for, like people who work for a living. I'd like to be able to stand that way when I go to Congress.

- John Murray

Living, Will, Like, Stand Up

They see themselves as athletes and only athletes.

- John Murray

See, Only, Themselves, Athletes

The pain of retirement means loss.

- John Murray

Pain, Loss, Means, Retirement

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