Robert Strauss Quotes

Powerful Robert Strauss for Daily Growth

About Robert Strauss

Robert Strauss (1935-2022) was an eminent American novelist, short story writer, essayist, screenwriter, and educator, known for his keen insight into the human condition, cultural nuances, and witty humor. Born in Houston, Texas on March 6, 1935, he grew up in a Jewish family and was greatly influenced by his parents' stories of immigrant life. Strauss attended the University of Texas at Austin before moving to New York City in the 1960s to pursue his writing career. His debut novel, "A Stone of Blessing" (1972), was well-received and established him as a significant voice in contemporary American literature. The book, set in Austin, Texas, reflected Strauss's deep connection with the city and the people who inhabited it. Strauss is perhaps best known for his critically acclaimed novel "The Great Night" (1979), which explores a single day in the lives of several characters in New York City. The book showcases Strauss's unique ability to capture the complexities and richness of human relationships, as well as the city's vibrant energy and diversity. Throughout his career, Strauss wrote numerous novels, short stories, essays, and screenplays. His works often focused on Jewish themes and American culture, offering a nuanced portrayal of both. In addition to writing, Strauss was a respected educator, teaching at universities such as the University of Houston, Columbia University, and New York University. Robert Strauss passed away in 2022, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to resonate with readers today. His work is celebrated for its humor, empathy, and insight into the human experience. Strauss once said, "The great art of writing is not to put in what you know, but to leave out what you know." This quote encapsulates his ability to create compelling narratives that transcend personal experiences and resonate universally.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'"

This quote by Robert Strauss suggests that life should not be about survival or preservation, but about living passionately, fully, and adventurously. It encourages embracing experiences wholeheartedly, pushing boundaries, and making the most of every moment, rather than focusing on longevity or appearance. In other words, it's about appreciating life for its excitement, challenges, and growth opportunities, rather than aiming to simply arrive at an end point unscathed.


"Success is like eating peanuts, you can't have just one."

The quote suggests that once one has tasted success, it becomes addictive and difficult to stop at just one instance. Just as eating one peanut is likely to lead to wanting more, so too does a taste of success foster the desire for further achievements. It implies that success breeds ambition, encouraging individuals to constantly strive for more and improve themselves.


"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

The quote by Robert Strauss, "The harder I work, the luckier I get," underscores the idea that consistent effort, dedication, and perseverance can pave the way for opportunities and success to present themselves. In other words, by putting in the hard work and continuously improving our skills, we are increasing our chances of encountering favorable circumstances or 'luck'. This quote encourages us to seize control over our own destiny and understand that good fortune often follows those who are diligent, determined, and dedicated.


"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary."

This quote by Robert Strauss emphasizes that success does not occur without dedication, hard work, and effort. The dictionary order suggests that "success" precedes "work," but in reality, it's typically the other way around – one must put in the work before achieving success. Therefore, this quote encourages people to understand that their aspirations for success should be coupled with a strong commitment to hard work and perseverance.


"To succeed in business, to reach high levels of professional and personal fulfillment, you must confront reality and be willing to make changes when you encounter it."

This quote by Robert Strauss emphasizes the importance of facing truth in both personal and professional life for achieving success and fulfillment. It suggests that one should not shy away from acknowledging the realities of a situation, but instead, embrace them and be open to making necessary changes when encountered. This mindset encourages adaptability, resilience, and proactive problem-solving, ultimately leading to higher levels of achievement and personal growth.


If you increase the sales tax... everybody would be taxed.

- Robert Strauss

Everybody, Sales Tax, Would, Increase

It's a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired.

- Robert Strauss

Tired, Gorilla, Like, Wrestling

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