William Quigley Quotes

Powerful William Quigley for Daily Growth

About William Quigley

William Quigley (1936-2007) was an influential American poet, essayist, and professor whose work explored themes of identity, the human condition, and the natural world. Born in New York City on September 8, 1936, he grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family in Queens, New York. The urban environment and his Catholic upbringing would later serve as significant influences on his poetry. Quigley attended St. John's University before earning his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop. He went on to teach at various institutions, including State University of New York at Stony Brook and the University of Houston, where he served as a Distinguished Professor. Quigley's poetry is marked by its emotional intensity, lyricism, and rich imagery. His first collection, "The Hound in Winter" (1966), won the Yale Younger Poets Prize. Other notable works include "Hymns to a Childless God" (1970), "The Moves of Time" (1982), and "Incarnations: New and Selected Poems, 1959-1996" (1996). His essays, collected in "Earth, Wind, and the Open Sea" (1984), reveal his deep connection to nature and his keen observations of the world around him. Quigley's life was marked by personal struggles, including a long battle with depression. Despite these challenges, he remained prolific until his death on August 20, 2007. His work continues to resonate with readers for its honesty, beauty, and enduring insights into the human experience.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Be not afraid of life. Believe that daring is safer than creeping."

This quote encourages individuals to embrace boldness and courage in their lives rather than living timidly or cautiously. The message is that taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to greater experiences and personal growth, as opposed to being fearful and hesitant, which may limit potential opportunities for success and happiness. It suggests that being daring and bold is not only safer in the long run but also more rewarding than living a life full of regrets due to missed chances and unfulfilled dreams.


"The more you want to get out of something, the harder you have to work at it."

This quote emphasizes that greater rewards often come with greater effort. It suggests that if one desires substantial outcomes or achievements from a particular endeavor, they must be willing to invest significant time, energy, and determination into it. In other words, expecting easy gains is usually unrealistic; instead, success requires persistent hard work and dedication.


"Success is a journey, not a destination. Never stop trying."

The quote emphasizes that success is not an end point to strive for, but rather a continuous process. It encourages persistence in one's pursuits, suggesting that the act of striving towards success, rather than reaching it, is what truly matters. In essence, William Quigley reminds us that we should never cease trying and growing, as the journey towards success holds just as much value as the destination itself.


"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."

This quote by William Quigley emphasizes self-belief and inner strength as crucial resources for overcoming challenges. It encourages individuals to trust their own abilities, recognizing that they possess an inherent power capable of surmounting any obstacles they may face in life. In essence, it's a call to tap into one's potential and embrace the journey towards personal growth and success.


"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This quote suggests that success and progress are attained by individuals who wholeheartedly embrace and trust in the value of their aspirations and dreams. In essence, it implies that a belief in one's dreams fuels determination, resilience, and the willingness to work towards them, ultimately positioning those people for future accomplishments. The quote encourages optimism, perseverance, and a proactive approach to realizing personal goals and shaping the course of one's life.


I love Boston. I come here all the time and play pick-up ice hockey with friends in Concord and Bedford.

- William Quigley

Love, Boston, Here, Concord

People go into a gallery, and they're afraid to express their opinions about art. No one's afraid to say, 'Keanu Reeves was bad in that movie.' We see so many films that we can tell who's faking it. But with art, we can't always tell.

- William Quigley

Bad, Tell, Movie, Faking

Art should be witty, like a good Eddie Murphy movie, to make your life a little easier and better.

- William Quigley

Art, Movie, Like, Easier

I never wanted to be someone who's asking someone to put my work in their gallery. I wanted to be asked.

- William Quigley

Never, Someone, Wanted, Gallery

I love Boston.

- William Quigley

Love, I Love, Boston

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