Susan Ertz Quotes

Powerful Susan Ertz for Daily Growth

About Susan Ertz

Susan Ertz (1894-1952), an esteemed American playwright, was born on November 6, 1894, in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents. Her father, Siegmund Ertz, was a renowned tenor, and her mother, Pauline Hovick, was a vaudeville actress, famously known as Gypsy Rose Lee. Ertz's early life was marked by a creative environment, fueling her passion for storytelling and theater. She attended Radcliffe College but dropped out before graduating to pursue a career in writing. Her first play, "The Golden Wall," was produced on Broadway in 1923. Ertz's work often explored themes of social and political issues, reflecting her progressive views. One of her most significant works, "Mourning Becomes Electra" (1931), is a modern retelling of Aeschylus' "Oresteia," set during the American Civil War. This play received critical acclaim, winning both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play in 1931. Another notable work by Ertz is "The Solid Gold Cadillac" (1958), which was posthumously produced. This play revolves around the politics of a women's club, satirizing corporate America and consumer culture. Ertz's life was cut short due to complications from surgery in 1952. Despite her brief career, she left an indelible mark on American theater, inspiring future playwrights with her powerful and thought-provoking works. Her quotes, such as "There are no little parts, only little actors," continue to resonate with artists today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is very like a garden."

This quote suggests that life, like a garden, requires nurturing, patience, and careful planning to grow and flourish. Just as a gardener tends to his plants by watering them, providing sunlight, and removing weeds, one must also take care of oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Life's challenges can be seen as obstacles or weeds that need to be addressed and overcome. Additionally, just as a garden requires diversity in plant species for balance and resilience, a well-lived life includes variety in experiences and relationships for personal growth and fulfillment. Lastly, the beauty and joy derived from a beautifully tended garden can serve as a metaphor for the rewards of a well-lived life.


"In the garden of life, weeds and flowers grow together."

This quote by Susan Ertz suggests that in our lives, both positive and negative experiences or qualities coexist. Just as a garden may contain beautiful flowers and unwanted weeds, people encounter successes (flowers) and failures, kindness and cruelty, joy and sorrow, all at once (weeds). This does not mean one should accept the "weeds" without trying to improve or eliminate them, but rather acknowledge their presence and learn from them as part of the overall growth process.


"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most out of everything that comes along their way."

This quote suggests that true happiness doesn't stem from having an abundance of material possessions or privileges, but rather from the ability to find contentment and joy in whatever life brings our way. It encourages a mindset of gratitude and adaptability, implying that happy individuals are those who can make the most out of every situation, finding ways to appreciate and learn from their experiences.


"Every morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today."

This quote emphasizes personal responsibility and self-empowerment. The speaker is suggesting that while external events can influence our moods, ultimately it's our own perspective and response to these events that determines our happiness or unhappiness. It encourages individuals to focus on their internal state and personal agency, rather than relying solely on the circumstances around them for feelings of contentment.


"The more I practice the art of living, the more I realize the importance of surrendering to whatever life brings - and then acting."

This quote suggests embracing a philosophy that balances acceptance and action. By "surrendering to whatever life brings," Ertz encourages individuals to accept the circumstances they encounter without resistance, recognizing them as inevitable parts of life. However, this surrender is not passive; it's followed by taking purposeful and deliberate action based on the situation at hand. This perspective fosters resilience, adaptability, and a mindset that finds opportunities for growth in adversity, rather than merely reacting to events with anxiety or frustration.


Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

- Susan Ertz

Death, Afternoon, Rainy

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.