Phyllis Mcginley Quotes

Powerful Phyllis Mcginley for Daily Growth

About Phyllis Mcginley

Phyllis McGinley (1905-1978) was an influential American poet, author, and children's literature pioneer. Born on July 3, 1905, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she grew up in a creative and intellectually stimulating environment. Her father, John M. McGinley, was a lawyer and poet, while her mother, Mabel Livingston, was an accomplished musician and author. This nurturing home instilled a deep love for literature, music, and art within Phyllis from an early age. McGinley attended Radcliffe College, graduating in 1926, and later pursued a Master's degree at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1930, she married noted American author John P. Marquand. Despite her domestic responsibilities, McGinley continued to write, publishing her first book of poems, "Gone Tomorrow," in 1932. McGinley's works are characterized by their wit, charm, and keen observations about human nature. She was particularly known for her children's literature, which she began writing in the 1940s. Her most famous works include "The John Steed Books" (1942-1956), a series of novels featuring an adventurous and intelligent young boy; "One More River: An American Boyhood and Other Memories" (1953); and the beloved poem, "Frog Went A-Courting," which she wrote in 1943. In 1960, McGinley received the Newbery Medal for her book "The Egg Tree." The following year, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award, a significant international recognition for writers and artists of children's literature. Throughout her life, Phyllis McGinley used her literary talents to bring joy, wonder, and insight to readers of all ages. Her works continue to be cherished today for their timeless charm and profound emotional depth. She passed away on February 26, 1978.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Home is where one starts from."

The quote, "Home is where one starts from," by Phyllis McGinley suggests that our personal experiences, memories, values, and identity are deeply rooted in the place we call home. It's a reminder that our sense of self and understanding of the world often stem from our earliest experiences within our familial and physical environments. No matter where we may travel or what we may encounter later in life, it is the foundational influence of "home" that shapes us fundamentally.

"For me, spring is when I begin again to think I understand everything."

This quote suggests that for the speaker, springtime serves as a period of renewal and understanding, where they feel rejuvenated and believe they have gained clarity or insight into various aspects of life. It implies that winter's dormancy has allowed them to reflect, and now they feel more capable of comprehending the world around them. The quote also suggests a sense of optimism and hope associated with springtime, as new growth and possibilities seem within reach.

"If you bungle raising your children, I don't care how much you've built – you can't expect to be remembered for much."

This quote emphasizes that a person's legacy is largely shaped by the impact they have on their children. Despite any accomplishments or achievements in other areas of life, if one fails to raise their children well, it may overshadow those accomplishments. In other words, the nurturing and guidance provided to future generations holds significant value in determining a person's lasting memory and influence.

"The secret of a happy life is to find joy in the little things and let them add up."

This quote by Phyllis McGinley suggests that the key to leading a fulfilling life is appreciating and taking pleasure in small, everyday moments. Instead of searching for grand or significant events to bring happiness, we should find joy in minor occurrences, such as enjoying a beautiful sunrise, savoring a delicious meal, or sharing a laugh with a loved one. By valuing these tiny pleasures consistently, they accumulate and contribute to a meaningful and contented life overall.

"What a glorious day! The sun is out, birds are singing, and I am here with you."

This quote by Phyllis McGinley expresses simple joy and appreciation for the natural beauty of a sunny day, coupled with the pleasure of shared companionship. It conveys a sense of contentment and gratitude for life's simple moments, cherishing both nature and relationships.

A lady is smarter than a gentleman, maybe, she can sew a fine seam, she can have a baby, she can use her intuition instead of her brain, but she can't fold a paper in a crowded train.

- Phyllis McGinley

Crowded, Maybe, Use, Sew

Those wearing tolerance for a label call other views intolerable.

- Phyllis McGinley

Other, Call, Wearing, Label

Gossip isn't scandal and it's not merely malicious. It's chatter about the human race by lovers of the same.

- Phyllis McGinley

Same, Malicious, Scandal, Chatter

A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.

- Phyllis McGinley

Day, Away, Keeps, Hobby

Please to put a nickel, please to put a dime. How petitions trickle in at Christmas time!

- Phyllis McGinley

Christmas, How, Nickel, Dime

Sisters are always drying their hair. Locked into rooms, alone, they pose at the mirror, shoulders bare, trying this way and that their hair, or fly importunate down the stair to answer the telephone.

- Phyllis McGinley

Shoulders, Always, Rooms, Locked

Praise is warming and desirable. But it is an earned thing. It has to be deserved, like a hug from a child.

- Phyllis McGinley

Like, Earned, Warming, Deserved

Nothing fails like success; nothing is so defeated as yesterday's triumphant Cause.

- Phyllis McGinley

Defeated, Yesterday, Like, Triumphant

Our bodies are shaped to bear children, and our lives are a working out of the processes of creation. All our ambitions and intelligence are beside that great elemental point.

- Phyllis McGinley

Processes, Lives, Bodies, Beside

When blithe to argument I come, Though armed with facts, and merry, May Providence protect me from The fool as adversary, Whose mind to him a kingdom is Where reason lacks dominion, Who calls conviction prejudice And prejudice opinion.

- Phyllis McGinley

Reason, Argument, Dominion, Adversary

In Australia, not reading poetry is the national pastime.

- Phyllis McGinley

Reading, Pastime, National, National Pastime

Words can sting like anything, but silence breaks the heart.

- Phyllis McGinley

Words, Like, Breaks, Sting

Getting along with men isn't what's truly important. The vital knowledge is how to get along with a man, one man.

- Phyllis McGinley

Important, How, Getting, Vital

Seventy is wormwood, Seventy is gall But its better to be seventy, Than not alive at all.

- Phyllis McGinley

Seventy, Better, Alive, Gall

Marriage was all a woman's idea and for man's acceptance of the pretty yoke, it becomes us to be grateful.

- Phyllis McGinley

Grateful, Woman, Be Grateful, Yoke

Of one thing I am certain, the body is not the measure of healing, peace is the measure.

- Phyllis McGinley

Peace, I Am, Measure, Healing

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