Norton Juster Quotes

Powerful Norton Juster for Daily Growth

About Norton Juster

Norton Juster (1923-2018) was an American writer and illustrator best known for his beloved children's books, particularly "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "Bruno the Kid." Born on February 8, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, Juster developed a passion for storytelling at an early age. After graduating from Pratt Institute with a degree in architecture, Juster worked as an architectural draftsman until he was drafted into the Army during World War II. His experiences during the war influenced his later works, particularly "The Phantom Tollbooth," which features a protagonist searching for meaning amidst chaos and confusion. In 1960, Juster published "The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics," a story that subtly encourages the importance of creativity and flexibility over rigid adherence to rules. This was followed by his magnum opus, "The Phantom Tollbooth," published in 1961. The book tells the adventure of Milo, a bored young boy who discovers a magical tollbooth that allows him to journey through the Land of Wisdom and learn about knowledge, understanding, and the importance of words. Juster's other works include "The Hello, Goodbye Window" (1964), "Yak, Yak: You Talk Back" (1970), and "Bruno the Kid" (1975). His whimsical storytelling, witty humor, and thought-provoking themes have made him a beloved figure in children's literature. Juster passed away on October 5, 2018, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire readers of all ages.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more."

This quote by Norton Juster emphasizes that avoiding risks may lead to a greater loss in the long run. The underlying message is to encourage taking calculated risks because inaction or fear of failure can result in stagnation or missed opportunities. It suggests that one should not shy away from challenges and new experiences, as they can lead to personal growth, success, and fulfillment.

"And above the city, the Tower of Topside stood watchful and imposing."

The quote suggests a city with a prominent tower, the Tower of Topside, standing guardian over it. This imposing structure likely serves as a symbol of protection or authority for the city below, watching over its residents with vigilance. It could also represent the idea of an established order maintaining its dominance, while keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding events within the city.

"I have come to realize . . . that life is a great balance of the negative, the voids, and the empty spaces, as well as the actual rainbows, butterflies, and waterfalls."

Norton Juster's quote underscores the importance of appreciating both the challenging aspects (negative) and the emptiness (voids, and empty spaces) in life, not just the beautiful moments (rainbows, butterflies, waterfalls). He suggests that these seemingly less desirable elements contribute to a balanced and complete understanding of life. This perspective encourages us to find value and meaning even in difficult times, as they ultimately contribute to the richness and depth of our overall experience.

"It's not our job to delight in hopeless ventures."

The quote by Norton Juster, "It's not our job to delight in hopeless ventures," suggests a person should refrain from investing time or energy into endeavors that are inherently without hope of success or positive outcome. Instead, one should focus on pursuits with a potential for success and satisfaction. In essence, it encourages individuals to be realistic in their choices, yet optimistic in their approach to life.

"Fantasy is an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not take you anywhere, but it tones up the muscles that can."

This quote suggests that engaging in imaginative, fantastical thinking serves as mental exercise, strengthening our creative and cognitive abilities without necessarily resulting in tangible outcomes. Juster likens this process to using an exercise bicycle, which may not physically transport us anywhere, but it does tone and improve our physical fitness for other tasks or activities. Similarly, indulging in fantasy tones the "mental muscles" that are essential for problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability.

A good book written for children can be read by adults.

- Norton Juster

Children, Book, Read, Adult

I remember when I was a kid in school and teachers would explain things to me about what I read, and I'd think, Where did they get that? I didn't read that in there. Later you look at it and think, That's kind of an interesting idea.

- Norton Juster

I Remember, Explain, Interesting Idea

But I find the best things I do, I do when I'm trying to avoid doing something else I'm supposed to be doing. You know, you're working on something. You get bugged, or you lose your enthusiasm or something. So you turn to something else with an absolute vengeance.

- Norton Juster

Best, Doing, Vengeance, Bugged

And when I'm writing, I write a lot anyway. I might write pages and pages of conversation between characters that don't necessarily end up in the book, or in the story I'm working on, because they're simply my way of getting to know the characters.

- Norton Juster

Book, I Write, Necessarily, Conversation

I received a grant from The Ford Foundation to write a book for kids about urban perception, or how people experience cities, but I kept putting off writing it. Instead I started to write what became The Phantom Tollbooth.

- Norton Juster

Book, Became, Putting, Grant

The only other thing which I think is important is: Don't write a book or start a book with the expectation of communicating a message in a very important way.

- Norton Juster

Think, Very, Which, Communicating

I think kids slowly begin to realize that what they're learning relates to other things they know. Then learning starts to get more and more exciting.

- Norton Juster

Think, Other, I Think, Slowly

People always ask about my influences, and they cite a bunch of people I've never heard of.

- Norton Juster

Never, Influences, Always, Cite

When you're very young and you learn something - a fact, a piece of information, whatever - it doesn't connect to anything.

- Norton Juster

Fact, Young, Very, Connect

There are good books and there are bad books, period, that's the distinction.

- Norton Juster

Bad, Books, Period, Distinction

One of the problems you have when you read with kids is that once they like something they want you to read it a hundred times.

- Norton Juster

Want, Like, Read, Hundred

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