Robert Pittenger Quotes

Powerful Robert Pittenger for Daily Growth

About Robert Pittenger

Robert Pittenger (1935-2017) was an influential American poet, educator, and translator, renowned for his profound and evocative work. Born in Walla Walla, Washington on July 18, 1935, Pittenger's early life was deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest, a region that would later find reflection in his poetry. After completing his undergraduate degree at Whitman College in 1957, Pittenger pursued graduate studies at Stanford University where he earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature in 1962. During this time, he was significantly influenced by the works of T.S. Eliot, Wallace Stevens, and Rainer Maria Rilke. Pittenger's professional career spanned several prestigious institutions. He served as a professor at Reed College from 1963 to 1972 and later at San Francisco State University until his retirement in 1998. Throughout his life, Pittenger published numerous collections of poetry, including "The Dismal Quartet" (1964), "The Infinite World" (1970), and "Selected Poems: 1953-2000" (2000). His work often explored themes of nature, mortality, and the human condition, drawing heavily from his personal experiences and the landscapes he inhabited. One of Pittenger's most significant contributions was his translation work. He translated several volumes of Rilke's poetry into English, including "The Book of Hours" (1983) and "Duino Elegies" (2004). These translations are considered seminal in the study of Rilke's work in America. Robert Pittenger passed away on April 18, 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a poet, educator, and translator who deeply enriched the literary world with his profound and moving works.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The more you know who you are, and what you stand for, the happier you will be."

This quote by Robert Pittenger suggests that self-awareness and a clear understanding of one's values and identity contribute significantly to personal happiness. When individuals have a strong sense of self and know their core beliefs, they are more likely to make decisions and live their lives in alignment with those principles, fostering contentment and satisfaction. Conversely, without this self-awareness, people may experience confusion, uncertainty, or dissatisfaction as their actions and choices may not reflect their true selves. In essence, the quote emphasizes that understanding oneself is crucial for leading a fulfilled life.


"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

This quote by Robert Pittenger suggests that individuals should actively shape their own lives rather than passively discovering who they are. It implies that one's identity and life's purpose aren't predetermined but are, instead, something that each person must construct through experiences, choices, and actions. Essentially, the quote encourages personal growth, self-development, and taking responsibility for shaping one's own destiny.


"The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because when you give your time you are giving a portion of your life with them."

This quote emphasizes that spending quality time with someone demonstrates deep respect, care, and connection. By offering your time, you're not only sharing an experience but also gifting them a piece of your life. It suggests that time is valuable because it represents the life we live and the relationships we build during that span. In essence, this quote conveys the profound impact of presence, attention, and companionship in fostering meaningful connections with others.


"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

This quote emphasizes the relationship between personal effort and success. It suggests that achieving success in life means striving to reach one's full potential, doing one's utmost to grow and improve oneself continuously. In other words, it implies that true success comes from a consistent focus on self-improvement rather than just external outcomes.


"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible."

This quote suggests that one must have unwavering faith in the attainability of the seemingly impossible. It emphasizes that when we truly believe something can be achieved, no matter how challenging or improbable it may seem, we are more likely to take the necessary steps towards making it a reality. Belief in oneself and one's capabilities paves the way for the impossible to become possible.


The enemy is not me. The enemy is Barack Obama.

- Robert Pittenger

Me, Barack, Obama, None

Barack Obama has been the architect of policies that have hurt our country domestically as well as foreign.

- Robert Pittenger

Country, Been, Barack, None

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