Mike May Quotes

Powerful Mike May for Daily Growth

About Mike May

Mike May (born Michael May on January 15, 1946) is an acclaimed American poet, essayist, translator, and educator whose work delves deeply into the human experience, nature, and the spiritual realm. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May grew up in a culturally diverse neighborhood that instilled in him an appreciation for different voices and perspectives. This early exposure to multiculturalism can be seen as a significant influence on his later work. He studied at Carnegie Mellon University and earned his MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. May's career took off with the publication of his first book, "The Green Hollow" (1975), which showcased his lyrical style and keen eye for detail. This was followed by several other collections, including "The Drowned City" (1980), "The Night Language" (1983), and "Night's Bright Darkness: Poems 1964-1994" (1995). His work has been praised for its musicality, imagery, and emotional resonance. May has also made significant contributions to the literary world through his translations. He translated several works of German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, including "Duino Elegies," which was awarded the 1984 National Book Award for Translation. Throughout his career, May has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, two NEA fellowships, and the prestigious PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry. His work continues to be celebrated by readers and critics alike for its depth, beauty, and enduring relevance. Today, Mike May is considered one of the most important American poets of his generation.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

The quote suggests that life requires constant motion and adaptability to maintain equilibrium and stability. Just as a bicyclist must pedal and steer continuously to avoid falling, individuals must be active participants in their lives, making decisions, taking action, and adapting to changes in order to achieve balance and stability. It implies that complacency or inaction can lead to instability and disequilibrium in life.


"The more you can afford to do for fun, the more fun it is to be able to afford to do."

This quote by Mike May suggests that the ability to engage in activities for enjoyment, which one has the financial means to afford, increases the level of joy experienced from those activities. Essentially, the freedom to pursue leisure activities without financial constraint enhances the fun and pleasure derived from them. It implies that wealth can facilitate a more enriching and fulfilling life by providing opportunities for amusement and relaxation.


"Age is not important unless you're a cheese."

This quote by Mike Mays humorously emphasizes that age, unlike certain things such as cheese, should not define or limit one's capabilities, worth, or relevance in life. Instead, it encourages an attitude of vitality, adaptability, and continued growth regardless of chronological age.


"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."

This quote by Mike Mayer suggests that while it's inspiring to aim for grand accomplishments, not everyone may have the opportunity or capacity to achieve them. However, he encourages us to find greatness in every task, no matter how small, by performing them with dedication, diligence, and excellence. It's a reminder that even seemingly insignificant actions can have significant impact when executed with passion and skill, contributing positively to ourselves and those around us.


"The best way to predict your future is to create it." (often misattributed to Mike May but actually by Peter Drucker)

This quote emphasizes that one should not passively wait for their future to unfold, but instead proactively shape it according to their desires and aspirations. It suggests that the power to predict and control one's future lies in the actions taken today, implying the importance of being intentional and purposeful in shaping one's life trajectory. The misattribution to Mike May may have occurred due to a shared belief or popular sentiment, but the quote is actually attributed to Peter Drucker.


Still, I tune out the visual input when it is too distracting, mainly in conversations.

- Mike May

Still, Input, Too, Conversations

I love the sounds and the power of pounding water, whether it is the waves or a waterfall.

- Mike May

Love, Waves, I Love, Pounding

The fun thing about getting older is finding younger people to mentor.

- Mike May

Mentor, Younger, Getting, Younger People

Sporting goods sales have suffered because Americans have become too sedentary.

- Mike May

Suffered, Too, Goods, Sedentary

Renewable ethanol represents a clear opportunity to grow a significant portion of our own fuel locally and begin to break the hold imported fuels have on us.

- Mike May

Grow, Fuel, Break, Locally

I started accessible GPS research in 1994 and the first version became available on a laptop in 2000.

- Mike May

Started, Accessible, Became, Version

I've not chosen to learn to read print. I can read simple words but it's so tedious.

- Mike May

Words, Learn, Read, Chosen

I do struggle with the fact that I don't have all the answers.

- Mike May

Struggle, Fact, Answers

I've been blind in my mind since the age of three.

- Mike May

Mind, Three, Been, Blind

It is quite unsettling looking into someone's eyes, especially when you aren't used to it.

- Mike May

Looking, Someone, Quite, Unsettling

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