William Arthur Ward Quotes

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

We can choose to throw stones, to stumble on them, to climb over them, or to build with them.

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.

Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.

A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.

Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.

A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.

We must be silent before we can listen. We must listen before we can learn. We must learn before we can prepare. We must prepare before we can serve. We must serve before we can lead.

The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.

Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting.

To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility - these are marks of maturity and graciousness.

Wise are those who learn that the bottom line doesn't always have to be their top priority.

Happiness is an inside job.

We can learn much from wise words, little from wisecracks, and less from wise guys.

Optimists enrich the present, enhance the future,challenge the improbable and attain the impossible

The greatest failure is the failure to try.

Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.

To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.

Faith is knowing there is an ocean because you have seen a brook.

Opportunity is often difficult to recognize; we usually expect it to beckon us with beepers and billboards.

Failure is not fatal. Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. It should challenge us to new heights of accomplishments, not pull us to new depths of despair. From honest failure can come valuable experience.

Wise are they who have learned these truths: Trouble is temporary. Time is tonic. Tribulation is a test tube.

The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain - he is inspired by it. The persistent winner is not discouraged by a problem—he is challenged by it. Mountains are created to be conquered; adversities are designed to be defeated; problems are sent to be solved. It is better to master one mountain than a thousand foothills.

Another fresh new year is here . . . Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright new year is given me To live each day with zest . . . To daily grow and try to be My highest and my best! I have the opportunity Once more to right some wrongs, To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!