Margaret Young Quotes

Powerful Margaret Young for Daily Growth

About Margaret Young

Margaret Young, born on February 8, 1905, in San Francisco, California, was an influential American novelist and short story writer who made significant contributions to the literature world during the mid-20th century. Her works, characterized by their spiritual depth and exploration of human emotions, were primarily set in her native California and often featured strong female protagonists. Young's literary journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Influenced by the works of authors like Edith Wharton, Willa Cather, and Sinclair Lewis, Young honed her craft while working as an editor for a magazine. Her first novel, "The Fourth Wall" (1932), was met with critical acclaim and established her as a promising voice in American literature. The story follows a young woman's spiritual growth amidst the moral complexities of her relationships, echoing themes that would become recurrent in Young's works. In 1936, Young published "This House of Sky," a semi-autobiographical novel set on a ranch in Montana. The book was based on her experiences living and teaching at a remote school in the Big Sky country during the Great Depression. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1943, acknowledging its profound exploration of human resilience and the spiritual bond between humans and nature. Despite her success, Young remained humble and dedicated herself to teaching and writing until her death on October 10, 1987. Her works continue to inspire readers with their profound insights into the human condition and their deep respect for the natural world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."

This quote by Margaret Young encourages a readiness to let go of preconceived notions about one's life in order to embrace new opportunities and experiences. It highlights the importance of being adaptable, flexible, and open to change, as the best things in life often lie beyond our initial plans or expectations. In essence, it underscores the need for resilience and a willingness to evolve in order to live fully and authentically.


"The best way out is always through."

The quote by Margaret Young, "The best way out is always through," suggests that the most effective and productive method to overcome challenges or navigate difficult situations is by facing them head-on. This means acknowledging problems, addressing their root causes, and working diligently towards a resolution rather than avoiding or evading them. The phrase emphasizes perseverance, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity, encouraging individuals to push through obstacles instead of giving up or seeking easy shortcuts that may not lead to lasting solutions.


"Life is long if you know how to use it."

This quote by Margaret Young suggests that the length of one's life isn't just determined by biological factors, but also by how effectively we utilize our time. In essence, it implies that while chronological age measures the passage of time, personal growth, fulfillment, and the pursuit of purpose can make life seem longer. Therefore, learning to use life well – through knowledge, experiences, relationships, and personal development – is a key factor in feeling that life is long and rewarding.


"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."

This quote by Margaret Young suggests the importance of taking breaks or stepping back from situations that may be overwhelming us. Just like unplugging an electronic device to give it a rest and reset, we too can benefit from moments of disconnection in order to clear our minds, recharge our energies, and approach challenges with renewed perspective. This quote serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and recognize that taking time for ourselves is essential for continued productivity and overall well-being.


"Take things one at a time and make each one the best you can. After all, life is the most effective imitation of infinity there is."

This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on one task at a time and giving it your best effort. It suggests that since life is an endless journey, we should strive to make each moment count by doing our best in every situation. By tackling tasks one at a time and giving them our all, we can effectively imitate the concept of infinity in our daily lives. This approach encourages mindfulness, efficiency, and continuous improvement.


The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.

- Margaret Young

Want, Need, Works, Reverse

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier.

- Margaret Young

Will, More, Lives, Backwards

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