Ring Lardner Quotes

Powerful Ring Lardner for Daily Growth

About Ring Lardner

Ring Lardner (1885-1933), an influential American author and sportswriter, was born on October 24, 1885, in Niles, Michigan. His father, George Alfred Lardner, was a Civil War veteran who worked as a lumberman and later served as Niles mayor. Ring's early life was marked by his family's frequent moves due to his father's work, which instilled in him a keen observational skill and an appreciation for the diverse characters he encountered. Lardner attended Cranbrook School, where he began writing short stories and showed great promise as a writer. His professional career began in 1904 when he started contributing to various publications, including the Detroit Times and The Saturday Evening Post. His early works were often light-hearted pieces focusing on sports and social issues, reflecting his passion for baseball and boxing. One of his most famous works, "The Young Immigrunts," was published in 1912 in Everybody's Magazine. The story, which satirizes the rigid social norms of the time, gained significant attention and solidified Lardner's reputation as a talented author. He continued to write short stories throughout his life, with collections such as "The Golden Honeymoon" (1920) and "The Riverman" (1944). Lardner's sports writing is another significant aspect of his work. He wrote for various publications, including The New Yorker, where he became a contributing editor in 1927. His sports journalism was marked by his unique perspective, wit, and ability to capture the essence of sporting events in a way that resonated with readers. Ring Lardner died on September 25, 1933, leaving behind an indelible mark on American literature. He is remembered for his keen observation of human nature, his witty humor, and his ability to capture the spirit of his times in both sports journalism and fiction.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"He hit it a long way. I didn't see it at all."

This quote by Ring Lardner, a famous American author and sportswriter, humorously highlights the ephemeral nature of sports performance. The speaker seems to be expressing both amazement and frustration in witnessing an exceptional play, yet acknowledging its temporary impact as it quickly disappears from view. It's a subtle commentary on the fleeting nature of victory and the challenge of capturing every moment in sports.


"I never said most of the things I said."

This quote by Ring Lardner, an American author and sports columnist, suggests a playful acknowledgment of human fallibility and perhaps deception. He's admitting that he didn't always mean exactly what he seemed to say in certain instances. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the complexities of communication, where people sometimes express themselves unintentionally or imprecisely, leaving room for misinterpretation or ambiguity.


"A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has an education, he will steal the whole railroad."

This quote by Ring Lardner suggests that formal education equips individuals with more sophisticated skills and knowledge, which can lead them to engage in larger-scale exploits, like stealing a whole railway system, rather than merely taking goods from a freight car. In essence, education empowers an individual, potentially enabling them to manipulate or control systems for personal gain.


"The jockey pulled out his pocket mirror and looked at himself just as I let him have both barrels."

The quote signifies a sudden, unexpected surprise or retaliation, where the jockey (likely checking his appearance) is met with swift action by another character (the speaker), symbolized by firing both barrels of a gun. It suggests a moment of unpreparedness, followed by an abrupt and possibly dramatic consequence.


"You always get a little taller whenever you sit on a bench made by someone else."

This quote by Ring Lardner suggests that when we utilize or benefit from the creations of others, we grow in some way. It's not just about physical height; it implies intellectual, emotional, or even spiritual growth. We learn from others' work, ideas, and experiences, expanding our own perspectives and capabilities. The bench, symbolizing the efforts of someone else, acts as a stepping stone for us to reach higher or grow taller in life.


A good many young writers make the mistake of enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope, big enough for the manuscript to come back in. This is too much of a temptation to the editor.

- Ring Lardner

Mistake, Big, Editor, Temptation

Walter Mayer was a hero at a Salvation Army home fire in Cincinnati.

- Ring Lardner

Fire, Army, Salvation, Cincinnati

They gave each other a smile with a future in it.

- Ring Lardner

Future, Other, Each, Gave

The only real happiness a ballplayer has is when he is playing a ball game and accomplishes something he didn't think he could do.

- Ring Lardner

Game, Think, Could, Accomplishes

He looked at me as if I were a side dish he hadn't ordered.

- Ring Lardner

Side, Looked, Dish, Ordered

I've known what it is to be hungry, but I always went right to a restaurant.

- Ring Lardner

Restaurant, Always, Known, Hungry

No one, ever, wrote anything as well even after one drink as he would have done with out it.

- Ring Lardner

Ever, Would, Even, Drink

An optimist is a girl who mistakes a bulge for a curve.

- Ring Lardner

Mistakes, Girl, Curve, Optimist

The family you come from isn't as important as the family you're going to have.

- Ring Lardner

Important, Going, Come, Family

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