Michael Kelly Quotes

Powerful Michael Kelly for Daily Growth

About Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly Quotes (1762-1826), an influential figure in the realm of literature and journalism, was born on July 14, 1762, in Dublin, Ireland. Raised in a family with a strong literary tradition, his love for words was cultivated from an early age. His father, also named Michael Kelly, was a violinist and composer who played a significant role in shaping the younger Michael's artistic sensibilities. Kelly moved to London at the age of 16 and began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines. He gained prominence during the French Revolution for his political satire and biting wit, often using humor to critique the political landscape of the time. One of his most significant works is "The Examiner," a weekly journal he co-founded in 1808. The publication became a platform for liberal political thought and was instrumental in shaping public opinion during the early 19th century. Kelly's literary career also included writing plays, such as "The Recruiting Officer" (1776), which was well-received in both London and Dublin. He later wrote "Tamerlane" (1805), a historical tragedy based on the life of Timur Lenk, the Central Asian conqueror. Despite his many accomplishments, Kelly's life was not without controversy. His outspokenness led to several legal battles and personal feuds, including a notable one with British statesman William Pitt the Younger. Michael Kelly Quotes passed away on March 25, 1826, leaving behind a rich legacy of journalism, literature, and theater. His work continues to be celebrated for its wit, political insight, and enduring relevance.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

This quote by Michael Kelly highlights the notion that happiness is a personal choice, not a direct result of one's circumstances. It suggests that while life may present imperfections, one can still choose to find joy by focusing on the positive aspects rather than dwelling on the flaws or problems. In essence, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding contentment despite challenges or less-than-ideal conditions.


"Remember: The happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more."

This quote suggests that true happiness is found in giving rather than receiving, or accumulating more material possessions. It implies that selfless acts of generosity, compassion, and service bring greater fulfillment and joy compared to focusing solely on personal gains. In essence, it encourages a mindset of altruism and empathy, emphasizing that one's well-being is not defined by what they have but by the positive impact they make on others.


"True wisdom is knowing when to resist and when to give in."

This quote by Michael Kelly emphasizes the importance of balance, discernment, and strategic decision-making. It suggests that possessing true wisdom means understanding which situations require resistance – often to protect oneself or stand up for a cause – and which demand compromise or submission, acknowledging when it is tactically or morally appropriate to yield. In essence, the quote underscores the significance of knowing when to assert one's will and when to recognize and accept external forces, thereby ensuring that actions align with personal values and goals while maintaining harmony with the world around us.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote highlights the importance of passion in achieving greatness. In other words, one can't produce exceptional work without a genuine interest or love for their chosen field or task. By loving what they do, individuals are more likely to put forth effort, develop skills, and remain dedicated to their pursuits, thereby increasing the potential for excellence and success.


"Everyone wants to be happy; very few want to do the things that make us happy - or the hard things that ultimately lead to happiness."

The quote implies a common discrepancy between human desires and actions. People generally strive for happiness, but often avoid or neglect the challenging tasks and personal growth required to achieve long-term happiness. Instead, they may prioritize immediate gratification or comfort, which can lead to temporary satisfaction rather than lasting joy. To find true happiness, it's essential to embrace the hard work, self-discovery, and perseverance that often come with pursuing meaningful goals and living a fulfilling life.


I've done so many jobs. As an actor, you have to. I didn't have my parents footing the bill when I moved to New York. I moved here with, like, 300 bucks. I was a bike messenger. I was a waiter. I was a bartender. I worked in a consignment shop for high-end designers.

- Michael Kelly

Here, Bucks, Shop, Messenger

I am definitely a Hillary, a Secretary Clinton supporter. I think that she's got the experience and the leadership capabilities to be the next president - and most importantly, her understanding of domestic and foreign policy and social issues.

- Michael Kelly

Next, I Think, Importantly, Foreign

I am a family man who has children, who is a good person, who cares about women's rights and my kids' rights and education, and I'm not a leftist elitist. I live a very normal life.

- Michael Kelly

Education, Good Person, Very, Leftist

Trump doesn't have a plan. There's a screw loose, and he's got a really short fuse. Do you really want the leader of the free world with his finger on the button to have a short fuse?

- Michael Kelly

Leader, Finger, Trump, Screw

This country deserves a statesman who can represent the people with proper decorum, respect, and knowledge of what's happening in the world, and I don't believe that Donald Trump represents any of that.

- Michael Kelly

Country, Statesman, Donald, Decorum

My mom always told me to set goals for myself. And slowly going through and checking those things off of my list, that feels like success to me.

- Michael Kelly

Through, Always, Checking, Goals

I had a dream to be an attorney. I don't know if I ever would've passed the bar or not, but that was my dream.

- Michael Kelly

Dream, Bar, Ever, Attorney

When are boots in the ground no longer going to have to even be people, and is that right? When does it become 'Star Wars?' When is enough enough? When do we put this time and energy into eliminating war or reasons for war instead of creating new technology to make war easier for us?

- Michael Kelly

Reasons, Put, Does, Boots

Back when Donald Trump was just starting in the primaries, and I was asked, 'What do you think of Trump?' I would say, 'Donald Trump is a great example of someone in our country being able to truly do anything. You can dream, you can do it. And that's a great example of that. But when the primaries are over, Donald Trump will be gone.'

- Michael Kelly

Country, Trump, Donald, None

I've never heard Donald Trump say that he watches 'House of Cards,' but I'd be really shocked if he didn't because he appears to be copying Frank more than we're copying the current administration.

- Michael Kelly

Frank, Trump, Donald, None

I am so blessed. I have an incredible wife, children I adore; I'm a very happy man. I've got a great mom and dad and brothers and sisters and stuff, so I've always been happy. And I never stop smiling.

- Michael Kelly

Been, Brothers, Very, Never Stop

Power draws you in; it's something we can gravitate toward.

- Michael Kelly

Power, Toward, Gravitate, Draws

This country, the people of our country, owe our military so much. These are the people that go out there and literally risk their lives to protect our freedom.

- Michael Kelly

Country, Lives, Literally, Protect

We don't have a problem killing off characters on 'House of Cards.'

- Michael Kelly

Problem, Cards, Characters, House Of Cards

You know you have a problem in American politics when they're making 'House of Cards' look normal.

- Michael Kelly

Politics, Normal, Making, House Of Cards

I worked construction clean-up. I was driving a pickup truck at the age of 14 on a construction site. I loved building and being part of the process. You got to see your work.

- Michael Kelly

Work, Truck, Process, Pickup

I learn from Kevin Spacey and Tom Hardy, watching these guys work, the things they all do differently. Tom never stops exploring and discovering, take after take. His mind never turns off.

- Michael Kelly

Mind, Learn, Discovering, Hardy

I think Netflix is responsible for what will become how we view television.

- Michael Kelly

View, Think, How, Netflix

I go, and I lobby for seniors on the Hill in Washington, D.C., and I've fought to have the Older Americans Act reauthorized, so I believe that my voice has been used for a lot of good.

- Michael Kelly

Voice, Seniors, Been, Lobby

I'm pretty sure it was President Bill Clinton who brought me back into politics and following it.

- Michael Kelly

Politics, Pretty, Sure, Following

I studied political science, and when I fell into acting in college - it was just a total fluke that I became an actor. I ended up changing my degree and went for a double major and missed political science by two classes.

- Michael Kelly

College, Became, Classes, Fluke

First and foremost, it's my mom and dad who gave me the foundation, the belief in me that I could do anything.

- Michael Kelly

Could, Mom And Dad, Dad, Foremost

I like to think I'm a good, kind person who does the right thing, but I don't ever feel sorry for someone who didn't get the part that I got. Not for one second.

- Michael Kelly

Think, Kind, Like, Sorry

The most important thing you can do as an actor is bring as much of yourself to the character to ground the character in some sort of reality, and then you build around it and on top of it.

- Michael Kelly

The Most Important, Some, Important Thing

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