Peter Marshall Quotes

Powerful Peter Marshall for Daily Growth

About Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall (December 9, 1904 – August 6, 1959) was an American clergyman, radio personality, and author, renowned for his inspiring orations and compelling storytelling. Born in Portland, Maine, Marshall spent much of his early life in the small town of Rockport, Maine, where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding him. Marshall's career in ministry began when he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1928. He held various positions within the church, including serving as the chaplain at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan. However, it was his radio broadcast, "The Church of the Little White House," that catapulted him to national fame during World War II. Marshall's radio career flourished when he became the host of "Information Please!", a popular quiz show on CBS Radio. His infectious spirit and ability to captivate audiences made the program a household name. In 1955, Marshall published his most famous work, "The Law of Happiness," which became a bestseller and remains influential today. Marshall's life took a tragic turn when he was involved in a car accident in August 1959. He passed away from the injuries sustained in the accident just four days later at the age of 54. Despite his untimely death, Marshall's legacy lives on through his inspiring words and profound impact on American culture during the mid-20th century. Quotes by Peter Marshall that continue to resonate include: "A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package," "Give me a stock clerk with a goal, and I will give you a president," and "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." Marshall's life, work, and words continue to inspire generations.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so glorious that it will influence the future."

This quote by Peter Marshall encourages us to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on past regrets or anxiously worrying about the future. The message is to seize the current opportunities, create positive experiences in the here and now, as these will shape our future. In essence, it advises us to live fully, mindfully, and meaningfully in the present, for this approach has the power to positively impact our lives and destiny.


"A man is getting along if he understands the purpose of his existence. A man is living if he serves a purpose that is worthy of his potential."

This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding one's life purpose (the "purpose of his existence") as a measure of personal growth and fulfillment ("a man is getting along"). Furthermore, it suggests that a truly meaningful life goes beyond mere survival or self-interest ("a man is living if he serves a purpose that is worthy of his potential"). In other words, the author implies that to truly live, one should strive to use their unique abilities and talents in ways that benefit others and contribute to something greater than themselves.


"Happiness consists not in having much, but in being content with little."

This quote by Peter Marshall suggests that true happiness does not come from accumulating wealth or material possessions, but rather from finding contentment within one's current circumstances. It implies a mindset shift where individuals appreciate what they have instead of constantly seeking more, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and happiness.


"Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking."

This quote by Peter Marshall suggests that instead of waiting for ideal or perfect circumstances, one should take proactive steps to create those conditions. It implies that action often initiates momentum and encourages others to act, much like heating iron through striking (or hitting) it. In other words, don't wait for an opportunity to present itself; seize it by taking action and creating the right environment.


"The greatest obstacle to our success and happiness often lies within us, and it is our own misconception of ourselves. We are limited only by our convictions."

This quote highlights two significant insights about personal growth and self-improvement. Firstly, it suggests that inner limitations or negative self-perceptions can hinder one's success and happiness. This could refer to limiting beliefs, self-doubt, or fears that hold us back from reaching our full potential. Secondly, it emphasizes that these self-imposed obstacles stem from misconceptions we have about ourselves. These misconceptions might involve underestimating our abilities, believing negative stereotypes or messages about who we are, or holding on to past failures as indicative of future performance. To overcome these challenges, it's essential to recognize and challenge these self-limiting beliefs, adopt a growth mindset, and strive for self-awareness. This means understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and potential while continually working towards personal development. Embracing a more accurate, positive, and empowering view of ourselves can help us unlock new possibilities and achieve greater success and happiness in life.


Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.

- Peter Marshall

Motivational, Small, Better, Deeds

I know that no business contract, no order or commercial consideration can ever be worth the happiness of one's home or the peace of one's mind.

- Peter Marshall

Business, Mind, Commercial, Contract

Sometimes this going out in obedience to God's command is more dramatic than at other times... sometimes more spectacular... sometimes more brave... but always it is a venture into the unknown.

- Peter Marshall

Always, Other, Going, Venture

We ministers have undoubtedly failed to connect and apply Christianity to the practical everyday problems of the average man. In this, we have failed to follow in Christ's footsteps. For the religion which He taught and revealed in His own life and ministry was an intensely practical and down-to-earth affair.

- Peter Marshall

Own, Average, Christianity, Ministers

The true minister is in his pulpit not because he has chosen that profession as an easy means of livelihood, but because he could not help it, because he has obeyed an imperious summons that will not be denied.

- Peter Marshall

Profession, Means, Minister, Pulpit

A man walks on through life - with the external call ringing in his ears but with no response stirring in his heart, and then suddenly, without any warning, the Spirit taps him on the shoulder. What happens? He turns 'round. The word 'repentance' means 'turning 'round.' He repents and believes and is saved.

- Peter Marshall

Saved, Through, Ringing, Warning

I am growing more and more aware that all too often we preachers aim at nothing and hit it.

- Peter Marshall

Aim, Nothing, More, Preachers

The measure of life is not its duration, but its donation.

- Peter Marshall

Life, Measure, Donation, Duration

This is a day of little faith - of few convictions - a day when men seem to have no great causes and no great passions. So in frustration, in disappointment, they are inclined to say, 'You can't change human nature.' It is true that we cannot change human nature. But God can.

- Peter Marshall

Faith, We Cannot, Inclined, Convictions

Church members in too many cases are like deep sea divers, encased in the suits designed for many fathoms deep, marching bravely to pull out plugs in bathtubs.

- Peter Marshall

Deep, Like, Cases, Bravely

Human nature must be changed if we are ever to have an end to war or to correct the wrong situations that make our lives uneasy and our hearts sore. Now Christianity, the power of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit of God, is the only force that can change people for good.

- Peter Marshall

Christianity, Correct, Our, Sore

If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.

- Peter Marshall

Stand, Fall, Will, Stand For Something

Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.

- Peter Marshall

Give, Clear, May, Stand For Something

Out of profound gratitude for my adopted country, I can only say that I would like in this land to live and die, and while I live to help other people as much as possible, believing that only in service to other people can I possibly express my gratitude for all that America has done for me.

- Peter Marshall

Die, Country, Other, Possibly

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

- Peter Marshall

Strength, Strong, Diamonds, Oak

God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.

- Peter Marshall

God, Will, Which, Blessing

Most of us know perfectly well what we ought to do; our trouble is that we do not want to do it.

- Peter Marshall

Want, Most, Perfectly, Ought

If you hug to yourself any resentment against anybody else, you destroy the bridge by which God would come to you.

- Peter Marshall

Against, Anybody, Which, Hug

A different world cannot be built by indifferent people.

- Peter Marshall

World, Different People, Indifferent

I could never describe it to anyone how I knew, but there was no mistaking it. One moment, I was walking along undecided - and the next moment, I knew that it was God's will for me to go to America. I don't think I could describe it any more accurately.

- Peter Marshall

Think, Will, Next, Undecided

Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work.

- Peter Marshall

Patience, Wait, Disciplines, Harder

Lord, where we are wrong, make us willing to change; where we are right, make us easy to live with.

- Peter Marshall

Change, Lord, Willing, Wrong

God hasn't given up on you. He can still do great things for you, in you, and through you. God is ready and waiting and able.

- Peter Marshall

Through, Still, Given, Ready

May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.

- Peter Marshall

Freedom, Think, May, Please

It is better to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.

- Peter Marshall

Better, Will, Fail, Ultimately

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