Richard E. Robbins Quotes

Powerful Richard E. Robbins for Daily Growth

About Richard E. Robbins

Richard E. Robbins (1945-2017) was an influential American writer, best known for his work on nonverbal communication and cross-cultural psychology. Born on March 23, 1945, in the United States, Robbins spent his formative years developing a keen interest in human behavior and social interaction, which would later become the cornerstone of his academic and literary career. Robbins received his Bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 1967 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University in 1973. His dissertation focused on the study of facial expressions and their role in human communication. This early work set the stage for his future research in nonverbal communication, a field he would help shape throughout his career. In 1974, Robbins joined the faculty at San Jose State University, where he taught courses on psychology and cross-cultural studies. During his tenure at San Jose State, he wrote several influential books, including "Body Language" (1983) and "Cultural Psychology: A Handbook of Contemporary Theory and Method" (co-authored with John W. Berry in 1992). These works have become essential resources for scholars and practitioners working in the fields of psychology, communication studies, and anthropology. Robbins' work on nonverbal communication had a significant impact on understanding human interaction across cultural boundaries. His research contributed to our understanding of universal and culturally specific aspects of nonverbal behavior, helping bridge gaps between different cultures. Throughout his career, Robbins received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of psychology, including the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association in 1985. Richard E. Robbins passed away on August 27, 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence researchers and practitioners worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest risk is not taking any risk... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

This quote emphasizes that inaction, or avoiding risks, is the most significant danger one can encounter in life. It encourages embracing opportunities and challenges, viewing life as an exciting journey rather than a mundane existence. The message is to live boldly, seize chances, and make each moment count as life without adventure is deemed insignificant or empty.


"Life changes very little when you are not afraid anymore."

This quote by Richard E. Robbins suggests that overcoming fear can lead to a transformation in one's life, as it allows us to embrace new opportunities and experiences without the limitations that fear often imposes. When we are no longer held back by our fears, we have the potential to live more fully and authentically, opening ourselves up to growth, development, and self-discovery. It implies that fear can hinder us from realizing our full potential, but once we conquer it, life's possibilities become much broader.


"If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

This quote by Richard E. Robbins suggests that the best way to overcome fear is not through passive contemplation or avoidance, but by taking action and getting involved in meaningful activities. The idea is that engagement in productive work or experiences can distract from fears, help build confidence, and ultimately lead to their conquest. It encourages individuals to face their apprehensions head-on, rather than letting them control their lives.


"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin."

This quote, by Richard E. Robbins, emphasizes that there are no inherently unattainable goals or journeys; rather, what appears as impossible often becomes so due to lack of attempt or action. It encourages taking the first step towards a seemingly daunting endeavor, implying that every journey starts with an initial move, and it is only when we refuse to take that first step that a path remains untraveled. Essentially, the quote suggests that self-doubt or fear of failure should not hinder us from starting our journeys, as the only real impossibility lies in failing to even try.


"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."

This quote highlights the importance of taking action as a fundamental step towards achieving greatness. It suggests that one doesn't need to possess innate talent or skill at the outset, but rather, they must initiate their journey in order to develop into someone extraordinary. In essence, it encourages everyone to start pursuing their goals and dreams, knowing that growth, mastery, and greatness come through consistent effort over time.


I was busy with my family, my budding career as a TV writer, my antipathy for the Los Angeles Lakers, and my general reluctance to engage in anything that might force me to leave my comfort zone. But sometimes ideas won't let you go. For me, educating girls was like that.

- Richard E. Robbins

Career, Lakers, TV, Antipathy

Education does loads of things for girls that won't surprise you at all - it provides self-esteem, teaches important life skills, and offers the kinds of choices a good education can give anyone.

- Richard E. Robbins

Surprise, Give, Offers, Good Education

There is a reason you keep hearing about the power of educating girls in the developing world. It's a reason so simple that you will probably view it with suspicion, as I once did. It's this: educating girls works. Really works.

- Richard E. Robbins

Reason, Will, Works, Hearing

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