Quotations

"What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible."

— Theodore Roethke, American poet, born May 25, 1908

"When I look at the world I'm pessimistic, but when I look at people I am optimistic."

— Carl Rogers, American psychologist, born 1902

"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds."

— Carl Rogers, American psychologist, born 1902

"In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?"

— Carl Rogers, American psychologist, born 1902

"When a person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten. I think in some real sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it's like to be me."

— Carl Rogers, American psychologist, born 1902

"If there is one thing the evil can’t stand, it's forgiveness."

— Fred Rogers, American television host, born 1928

"A young apprentice applied to a master carpenter for a job. The older man asked him, "Do you know your trade?" "Yes, sir!" the young man replied proudly. "Have you ever made a mistake?" the older man inquired. "No, sir!" the young man answered, feeling certain he would get the job. "Then there's no way I'm going to hire you," said the master carpenter, "because when you make one, you won't know how to fix it."

— Fred Rogers, American television host, born 1928

"When you're happy, you don't count the years."

— Ginger Rogers, American actress, died April 25, 1995

"Part of the joy of dancing is conversation. Trouble is, some men can't talk and dance at the same time."

— Ginger Rogers, American actress, singer, and dancer, born July 16, 1911

"If you want people to know what your message is, just sing it."

— Kenny Rogers, American singer, born August 21, 1938

"People will clap to be nice. They will not laugh to be nice."

— Kenny Rogers, American singer, born August 21, 1938

"Until we meet again, may the good Lord take a liking to you."

— Roy Rogers, American cowboy, born November 5, 1911

"Never let yesterday use up too much of today."

— Will Rogers, American cowboy, died August 15, 1935

"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."

— Will Rogers, American cowboy, born November 4, 1879