William Steig Quotes

Powerful William Steig for Daily Growth

About William Steig

William Steig (November 14, 1907 – October 3, 2003) was an American cartoonist, illustrator, author, and graphic artist whose whimsical, fantastical, and often poignant work has left an indelible mark on the world of children's literature. Born in the Bronx, New York City, Steig grew up in a family that valued creativity and intellectual pursuits. He showed an early interest in art, drawing inspiration from his father's collection of comic strips and cartoons. After studying engineering at Columbia University for two years, Steig realized his passion lay elsewhere and transferred to Pratt Institute to study graphic arts. Steig's professional career began in 1930 when he started working as a cartoonist for the New Yorker magazine. His witty and humorous drawings quickly became a staple of the publication, earning him widespread recognition. In 1950, Steig transitioned to children's books with his first publication, "Camberwick Green," which was followed by numerous other works. One of Steig's most famous creations is the grumpy dragon Sylvester from the book "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" (1960), a Caldecott Medal winner. Other notable works include "Shrek!" (1990), which served as the inspiration for the popular DreamWorks Animation film franchise, and "Abel's Island" (1976), a poignant story about a mouse stranded on an island who learns to adapt and find joy in solitude. Throughout his long and prolific career, Steig received numerous accolades, including two Caldecott Medals, two National Book Awards, the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Lifetime Achievement. His work continues to enchant readers of all ages, leaving a lasting impact on the world of children's literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a long lesson in humility."

William Steig's quote "Life is a long lesson in humility" emphasizes that life, through its unpredictable twists and turns, teaches us the importance of being humble. It implies that as we navigate the complexities of existence, we are continually reminded of our limitations and interconnectedness with others and nature. This understanding fosters empathy, resilience, and a sense of gratitude for the opportunities life provides.


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

This quote suggests that while we cannot alter our past experiences or choices (the 'beginning'), we retain the power to shape and transform our future (the 'ending'). The message is one of resilience, encouraging us to find strength in the present moment, as it offers opportunities for growth and change. By focusing on the actions and decisions we make now, we have the potential to create a new, more favorable outcome or ending in our lives.


"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."

This quote by William Steig suggests that one effective method to elevate one's own mood or spirit is through acts of kindness, specifically, attempting to uplift someone else's spirits. By focusing on bringing joy to others, we are not only able to positively impact their lives but also experience a boost in our own emotions as well. This act of giving and helping can serve as a powerful antidote against feelings of sadness or despair, making it an excellent strategy for self-care.


"Everything that used to be a problem is still a problem."

This quote by William Steig suggests that despite the passage of time, some issues or problems persist and do not resolve easily. It can imply that human society faces ongoing challenges in areas like social inequality, environmental degradation, political instability, etc., which continue to require attention and solutions. The quote also highlights the tenacity of certain problems, suggesting that they are deeply rooted and may take extensive effort and time to overcome.


"The only reason children fear the dark is because they don't know what's in it." (From the character Snerk in Steig's book, "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble")

This quote suggests that fear of the unknown is a universal human emotion, not just limited to children. The darkness, symbolically or literally, represents situations or aspects we are unfamiliar with. By exploring and understanding what lies within the "darkness", we can dispel our fears and gain knowledge, which leads to growth and understanding.


I've always despised old people. I got angry at my father when he began to show signs of age.

- William Steig

Always, Began, Despised, Old People

I think I feel a little differently than other people do. For some reason I've never felt grown up.

- William Steig

Think, Reason, Some, Differently

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