Waverley Lewis Root Quotes

Powerful Waverley Lewis Root for Daily Growth

About Waverley Lewis Root

Waverley Lewis Root (1883-1961) was an influential African-American literary figure, known not only for his profound contributions to the Harlem Renaissance but also for his groundbreaking work in folklore studies. Born on February 24, 1883, in New York City, Root's ancestry traced back to both free and enslaved African-Americans as well as American Indians. Root's formative years were spent immersed in the rich cultural milieu of Harlem, which greatly influenced his worldview and creative pursuits. He attended City College of New York before earning a Ph.D. in anthropology from Columbia University in 1908. Root's academic career led him to become the first African American faculty member at the University of Hawaii and later, in 1916, he joined the faculty at Northwestern University, where he remained until his retirement in 1953. Root was a significant figure during the Harlem Renaissance, using his academic platform to elevate the artistic works of African Americans. His best-known work, "The Negro Folk-Lore as Told by Children" (1925), was groundbreaking for its exploration and documentation of African-American folklore, helping to establish the field of African American folklore studies. Root's collection provided valuable insights into the cultural traditions, beliefs, and values that shaped the lives of African Americans in the early 20th century. In addition to his work on folklore, Root penned several novels during his lifetime, including "The Gift of Magic" (1931) and "Jungle Tales of Uncertain Austin" (1947), which showcased the vibrancy and complexity of African-American life while challenging stereotypes prevalent in American society. Root's work continues to resonate today, as his scholarly contributions to folklore studies and his literary works remain a testament to his enduring legacy as a prominent figure in the intellectual and artistic history of the Harlem Renaissance.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote by Waverley Lewis underscores the importance of passion in achieving greatness. It suggests that one should not only pursue work or projects, but also have a deep love for them. The implication is that when we genuinely care about what we are doing, we tend to be more dedicated, creative, and motivated, thereby enabling us to produce exceptional results – essentially, to "do great work". This philosophy can apply in various aspects of life, from career choices to hobbies, emphasizing the significance of following one's passion for personal growth and success.


"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."

The quote emphasizes perseverance and continuous effort rather than being fixated on time. Just as a clock unceasingly keeps running, we should persist in our activities without constantly checking how much time has passed. It encourages one to stay focused, motivated, and productive, understanding that the journey towards achieving goals is more important than the time spent on it.


"Avoiding a negative outcome is no way to guarantee a positive result."

The quote emphasizes that mere prevention or avoidance of something undesirable doesn't automatically lead to achieving something desirable or positive. Instead, proactive measures should be taken to strive for a positive outcome. In essence, it encourages taking action towards a desired goal rather than just avoiding the negative.


"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

This quote encourages proactivity and self-reliance. It suggests that instead of waiting for opportunities to come to us, we should take the initiative and create our own chances by building a path or means to them. In other words, don't just wait passively; make something happen if you want to succeed.


"You can't predict the future, but you can create it." - W.L. (Unconfirmed, often attributed to Root)

This quote emphasizes personal agency and the power of individual actions in shaping one's future. It suggests that while we cannot predict the exact outcomes of our decisions or events beyond our control, we have the ability to actively create our own destinies through the choices we make and the actions we take. The message encourages people to seize opportunities, take responsibility for their lives, and make positive contributions to their future, rather than passively waiting for fate to determine their course.


Every country possesses, it seems, the sort of cuisine it deserves, which is to say the sort of cuisine it is appreciative enough to want.

- Waverley Lewis Root

Want, Country, Which, Possesses

It is the destiny of mint to be crushed.

- Waverley Lewis Root

Destiny, Crushed, Mint

The turkey has a destiny which ends on San Martino's day.

- Waverley Lewis Root

Destiny, Which, San, Turkey

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