Susan Sullivan Quotes

Powerful Susan Sullivan for Daily Growth

About Susan Sullivan

Susan Sullivan, an accomplished American author, was born on October 11, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is renowned for her captivating novels that explore themes of love, identity, and the human condition. Sullivan's writing journey began early, influenced by the rich literary tradition of her hometown. Her passion for storytelling was further nurtured during her time at Bryn Mawr College, where she honed her craft and developed a deep appreciation for narrative structure. After graduation, Sullivan moved to New York City to pursue a career in journalism. However, the allure of fiction writing proved too strong, and she began to write short stories. Her work was published in various magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's Magazine, and Redbook. In 1980, Sullivan released her debut novel, "Fiction Rap," a collection of interconnected short stories that showcased her unique storytelling abilities. The book was well-received, but it was her second novel, "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (1984), that truly established her as a significant voice in contemporary literature. The novel follows the life of a young woman named Lucy, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. The book was a critical success and was adapted into a successful film starring Geena Davis in 1985. Throughout her career, Sullivan has continued to write novels that delve into the complexities of human relationships and personal growth. Her most recent novel, "The Happiest People in the World" (2016), explores themes of aging, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, Susan Sullivan continues to captivate readers with her insightful and poignant novels, solidifying her place as a beloved figure in American literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The important thing is not to stop questioning."

The quote underscores the value of curiosity, inquiry, and continuous learning. By advocating that we should never cease questioning, Susan Sullivan encourages us to challenge conventional wisdom, foster critical thinking, and adapt to new ideas, thereby driving personal growth, innovation, and progress.


"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they're supposed to help you discover who you are."

This quote suggests that life's hardships are meant to serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Instead of causing immobilization, challenges in life are designed to push us to confront our true selves, uncover hidden strengths, and develop resilience. In essence, the struggles we face help shape our identity and character.


"When life seems to be unbearable, remember it's only a season. The summer will pass and the winter will end."

This quote suggests that even in the most challenging or difficult times, we should remind ourselves that they are temporary, much like seasons. Just as a summer eventually ends, so too will the current hardships. Encouraging resilience and hope, it invites us to persevere through adversity, knowing that better days lie ahead.


"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

This quote suggests that we cannot alter past events or circumstances, but we have the power to shape our future. Instead of dwelling on regrets or mistakes from the past, we should focus on making positive changes starting from the present moment, in order to influence the outcome or "ending" of our lives positively. It's a reminder that we always have the opportunity to grow and improve, regardless of our previous experiences.


"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."

This quote by Susan Sullivan encourages the importance of living in the present, rather than dwelling on past events or regrets. Yesterday is gone and cannot be changed, so it should not consume our thoughts to the point where it negatively impacts our current moment or future potential. Instead, we should focus on the opportunities and experiences that today presents, learning from the past but not being defined by it. In essence, this quote serves as a reminder to embrace the present and strive towards creating a fulfilling tomorrow.


It seems extraordinary to have waited so long into one's life to have found the part that actually uses your basic rhythm. And I think that's always sort of what actors connect up with - their own sort of world.

- Susan Sullivan

Own, I Think, Part, Waited

I'm hyped up when I'm working. Some people eat when they're hyped up and some people don't. I'm the 'don't.'

- Susan Sullivan

Working, Some, Eat, Hyped

There's a definition of narcissism that when a parent is narcissistic, instead of the child seeing himself reflected in the mother's face and the mother's joy, the child of the narcissistic parent feels like, 'What can I do to make her okay, to make her happy?'

- Susan Sullivan

Parent, Okay, Feels, Narcissistic

I started out doing theater and a soap in New York and that's... sort of what I got stuck in. I was blessed enough to have long runs, and it's sort of hard sometimes then to get out.

- Susan Sullivan

Doing, New, Sometimes, Runs

Mitch and I have known each other for such a long time, and we're both so pleased to be given this opportunity at this point in our lives to play characters that we've never really had a chance to play before. It's a great gift. Plus we're wise enough to appreciate it.

- Susan Sullivan

Gift, Play, Other, Plus

I wouldn't have the life I have without television. I wouldn't be looking out my apartment window onto the East River; I wouldn't be able to afford to have my mother with me this summer. So television has been very good to me.

- Susan Sullivan

Television, Been, Very, Apartment

My timing in life has been extraordinary. I've ridden the crest of the wave of the women's movement.

- Susan Sullivan

Timing, Extraordinary, Been, Ridden

I think if I have any kind of unique gift, it's more in the comedy area than it is in the dramatic area.

- Susan Sullivan

Gift, Think, Area, Dramatic

If you're cast right you can actually just let yourself go because all your gestures will be right, all your intonations will be right because you just somewhere understand who this person is.

- Susan Sullivan

Understand, Will, Go, Gestures

The business of living - that's your artwork, and the process of that is finding out who you are, what it all means.

- Susan Sullivan

Process, Living, Means, Artwork

I like to use my hands. When I was in theatre in college, that was one of my biggest notes: 'You use your hands too much.'

- Susan Sullivan

College, Hands, Like, Notes

I mean, everybody's star fades in every business; that's just a natural part of life.

- Susan Sullivan

Business, Star, Everybody, Fades

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