Joy Harjo

To call Joy Harjo a multihyphenate is both an understatement and the only possible descriptor that even comes close to characterizing this remarkably talented woman. While the current Poet Laureate of the United States is now best known for her poetry, Harjo is also a vocalist, a saxophonist, a flutist, an activist, a mother, a feminist, an environmentalist, and an active member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. In addition to poetry, she has written plays, children’s books, and two memoirs: Crazy Brave and Poet Warrior: A Call for Love and Justice. Harjo has also produced six award-winning albums, including her latest, I Pray for My Enemies (Sunyata Records/Sony Orchard), which dropped in early March.

While none of this success or these accolades came easily, art was always, in some ways, meant to be a part of her journey. To hear Harjo tell it, music and musicality were baked into her DNA from day one. Her mother, Wynema Baker Foster, loved singing, and even recorded some of her own original songs; Harjo recently told Vanity Fair that she believes her sister has these albums in her possession now. “I liked that you could hold music in your hands,” Harjo wrote in Crazy Brave. “It was like holding a spinning world.” Harjo described her mother’s songs as “heartbreak ballads” that likely drew from her mother’s rocky relationships — first, with Harjo’s father, Allen W. Foster, and later, her stepfather.

Oprah Winfrey

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.

Oprah Winfrey

Famous around the world for her inspiring life story and her particular ability to encourage, uplift, and empathize with others, Oprah Winfrey reveals here that one of the secrets to a happy life is the company we keep. Life is too short to waste our energy on people who make us feel small or unloved, or introduce negativity to our lives. Instead, Winfrey recommends surrounding ourselves with a close circle of people who understand and appreciate us for who we are, and will cheer us on as we journey through life.

Thích Nhất Hạnh

Vietnamese monk Thích Nhất Hạnh, who passed away on January 22, 2022 at the age of 95, was one of the foremost teachers of Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation. Having joined a monastery at age 16 in 1942, the spiritual leader spent most of his life studying, practicing, and spreading the Buddhist principles of nonviolence and awareness. He was an author, poet, artist, and peace activist with a gift for distilling ancient Buddhist philosophies into accessible daily practices. His teachings helped people all around the world to slow down, catch their breath, and enjoy the present moment.

Over the course of his long life, Thích Nhất Hạnh wrote more than 70 books and founded several Buddhist movements and organizations, most notably the Plum Village monastery and mindfulness center in southern France. During the Vietnam War, he developed a practice of “engaged Buddhism,” which unites personal spirituality and social action, inspiring people to demonstrate against war, rebuild villages, provide medical treatment, and advocate for human rights. These actions led to his exile from his home country for 39 years, during which he traveled the world spreading the message of peace and love. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called Thích Nhất Hạnh “an apostle of peace and nonviolence” when he nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1967.

In his nineties, Thích Nhất Hạnh returned to his native country to live at the monastery where he was first ordained as a teen, in the central Vietnam city of Huế. His work continues to inspire, offering a simple and inviting approach to meditation and Buddhism. His equanimous and caring style is evident in these 15 calming quotes from the Zen master’s life’s work.

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. The red-headed actress is perhaps best known for her role as klutzy, accident-prone Lucy Ricardo from the 1950s hit series I Love Lucy, but the New York native’s long list of accomplishments extends well beyond her talents on screen.

Though she’s remembered as one of the most beloved actresses in Hollywood, Ball came from humble beginnings: Ball was born in 1911 in Jamestown, New York. Her father worked for Bell Telephone, a job that required the family to relocate frequently. He died suddenly in 1915 from typhoid fever, an incident that Ball has often cited as her first memory. After his death, she and her younger brother, Fred, were raised by their grandparents.

As a child, Ball was reserved, but she knew she wanted to try her hand at show business. At age 14, she enrolled in Manhattan’s John Murray Anderson School for Dramatic Arts, where her classmates included some future leading ladies. "I was a tongue-tied teenager spellbound by the school's star pupil, Bette Davis," Ball once said. The school wasn’t so convinced of Ball’s own talents, though; teachers told her mother that Ball was “too shy” to ever be successful. That feedback didn’t stop Ball, however. She went on to explore a number of different paths, including modeling. Fashion designer Hattie Carnegie hired Ball as her in-house model in 1928, and later, as a model for Chesterfield cigarettes. It was Carnegie who suggested that Ball dye her brunette hair blonde — but Ball’s signature bright red hair wouldn’t come until later.

In 1933, Ball moved to Hollywood, determined to pursue acting more seriously. She was able to land a few minor roles, including one as a “Goldwyn Girl” to promote the 1933 film Roman Scandals. One of her bigger roles was a part in 1937’s Stage Door, alongside Ginger Rogers and Katharine Hepburn. She was known somewhat disparagingly (and somewhat fondly) as “The Queen of B Movies” in the 1940s, given the number of second-tier films she was cast in. But among these was one life-changing role: the lead in the musical Too Many Girls. It was on this set that Ball met and fell in love with Desi Arnaz, a Cuban American actor. The couple eloped one year later.

What followed was a whirlwind of good fortune, business acumen, and extreme persistence. Ball was cast as the wife on a hit radio comedy series for CBS Radio, My Favorite Husband, in 1948. Following its success, CBS asked Ball to develop the show for television, and the actress agreed — under one condition: that she be able to cast Arnaz as her husband. CBS execs were skeptical, so Ball and Arnaz took their show on the road, literally. They created a vaudeville act and performed on tour, to the delight of audiences nationwide. CBS extended a contract to the couple, and I Love Lucy was born. The show was an immediate hit, quickly breaking records with 23 million viewers and becoming the most-watched show in America by the following year.

The series premiered in 1951, with Ball and Arnaz at the helm of their newly formed production company, Desilu Productions. The pair made many groundbreaking decisions, including shoot the series on film versus the less expensive kinescope (they took a pay cut to ensure the quality of the aesthetic); locating their sets in Hollywood rather than New York; and filming the show in front of a live studio audience. Desilu Productions went on to produce other hit TV shows, including The Dick Van Dyke Show and Star Trek.

Though the couple’s business partnership was a gold mine, behind the scenes their romantic relationship was faltering, and in 1960, they divorced. Arnaz sold his share of Desilu Productions to Ball, making her the first woman to own a major production studio. The two remained friends and co-parented two children together, Lucie and Desi Jr.

Later in life, Ball continued acting, most notably in two spin-offs of I Love Lucy: The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. When she died in 1989 at the age of 77, she left behind a legacy for generations of actresses and comedians. Here, we’ve rounded up 17 of her most hilarious and inspiring quotes about success, life, and everything in between.

May 27

Marine biologist and author Rachel Carson born (1907); HBD US statesman Henry Kissinger (1923); Ford ends manufacture of iconic Model T (1927); Golden Gate Bridge opens in California (1937); HBD Outkast rapper André 3000 (1975).

May 26

Dow Jones Industrial Average begins with 12 stocks (1896); Actor John Wayne born (1907); Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis born (1926); First American woman in space, Sally Ride, born (1951); HBD musician Lauryn Hill (1975).

T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot was one of the most brilliant poets of the 20th century. Born Thomas Stearns Eliot in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1888, he created an incredible oeuvre in his lifetime, spanning poetry, plays, literary criticism, and philosophy. His most famous works include “The Waste Land” and “Four Quartets,” the latter of which is a meditation on time and history. He graduated from Harvard, studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, and received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1948. His work has influenced generations of writers: Stephen King is among his many famous fans, incorporating lines and references from Eliot’s work into his films. Eliot’s 1939 poem collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, also inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 hit musical Cats.

What makes Eliot’s writing so poignant even now, decades after publication, is not necessarily his accolades or prestige, but the timelessness of his observations. Eliot understood how to balance tradition and modernity, and how to skillfully wield his outsider status to create a trademark ethereal quality to his work. As he wrote in a letter to his friend Herbert Read, he saw himself as an American born in the South but educated in New England, who never fully fit in either place, “and who so was never anything anywhere.” Readers have found solace in and drawn deep inspiration from Eliot’s writing thanks in part to his relatable, nomadic core. Here, we’ve rounded up 12 quotes that best illustrate the timeless wisdom that this game-changing poet imparted on the world.

May 25

Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia (1787); Author Ralph Waldo Emerson born (1803); RIP businesswoman Madam C.J. Walker (1919); "Star Wars" premieres in theaters (1977); George Floyd is killed by police during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2020).

Rania Al-Abdullah

"We are stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share."

Rania Al-Abdullah

Rania Al-Abdullah, the wife of King Abdullah II, has served as the queen of Jordan for more than 20 years, and in that time she has been a champion for her people as well as several humanitarian causes around the world. In her efforts to promote global education, the rights of women and children, community empowerment, and cultural understanding, she reminds us that we are always better together. When we can engage in respectful dialogue, free to share our thoughts, feelings, and stories, everyone benefits.

May 24

Samuel Morse sends first commercial telegraph message (1844); The Brooklyn Bridge is opened in NYC (1883); HBD Bob Dylan (1941); HBD musician Patti LaBelle (1944); RIP jazz legend Duke Ellington (1974).

Miles Davis

If you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that you play that determines if it’s good or bad.

Miles Davis

During his nearly 40-year career, jazz legend Miles Davis constantly evolved his style, pushing and challenging the boundaries of jazz music. He experimented with jazz fusion, funk, synthesizers, rock, and African rhythms, while at the same time finding new ways to connect on an emotional level with his audience. He abandoned the more traditional use of vibrato on his trumpet, creating a sound that was closer to the human voice. Like all great jazz musicians, Davis was a master of improvisation. As such, he saw musical mistakes as opportunities — a philosophy he carried into the rest of his life. It’s how we react to so-called mistakes that determine whether the ultimate outcome will be negative or positive. As the great jazz pianist Herbie Hancock said, “Miles was able to turn something that was wrong into something that was right.” 

Edith Wharton

I'm afraid I'm an incorrigible life-lover, life-wonderer, and adventurer.

Edith Wharton

Most people recognize Edith Wharton’s name from her enduring works of fiction, including her novels "The Age of Innocence" (1920) and "Ethan Frome" (1911). But many would be surprised to learn that the accomplished author was also a veritable Renaissance woman with myriad passions and talents. Throughout her life, and despite the restrictions imposed on women at that time, she made a name for herself as an interior decorator, garden designer, travel writer, war journalist, and the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize. In a letter to a friend just before her death in 1937, Wharton wrote, “I wish I knew what people meant when they say they find ‘emptiness’ in this wonderful adventure of living.”

Meghan Markle

"At the end of the day, you are enough exactly as you are." Meghan Markle

Former actress Meghan Markle is now best known as the Duchess of Sussex, the wife of British royal Prince Harry, and in this role she has spoken out on behalf of women all over the world. But her fight for gender equality and equal access to education dates back to when she was 11 years old. After seeing a dish soap commercial that showed only women doing housework, she wrote to the company asking that they change their slogan — "women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans" — by replacing the word “women” with “people.” The company obliged, and since that early taste of activism, Markle has given speeches and written essays in support of women’s rights all over the world. With this quote, she reminds anyone who has ever been made to feel inferior that we are all good enough, exactly as we are.

George H. W. Bush

"I will keep America moving forward, always forward — for a better America, for an endless, enduring dream and a thousand points of light."— George H. W. Bush

In 1988, George Bush accepted the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention. It was the first time he made reference to “a thousand points of light,” a phrase he would go on to use in subsequent speeches. It appears twice in the 1988 address, first in the line “a brilliant diversity spreads like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky,” and later in the line above. The speech also included Bush's infamous “Read my lips: no new taxes” promise, which eventually came back to haunt him.

Ronald Reagan

"Work and family are at the center of our lives; the foundation of our dignity as a free people."— Ronald Reagan

When accepting the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in Detroit in 1980, Ronald Reagan stressed the core concepts of family, work, peace, and freedom. Reagan still had a lot of work to do to win enough votes to seize the Oval Office, but his acceptance speech at the convention helped pave the way. His soothing tone and focus on national unity, along with his promise to restore the “values and virtues handed down to us by our families,” reassured a then-pessimistic nation that he was the man for the job.

John F. Kennedy

"We stand today on the edge of a New Frontier — the frontier of the 1960s — a frontier of unknown opportunities and perils, a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and threats."— John F. Kennedy

JFK gave his “New Frontier” speech when accepting the Democratic nomination for President in 1960. At the time, there were many doubts about his policy ideas, background, and level of experience — he was only 43 years old. His electrifying speech, however, reassured voters that he was indeed capable of taking the country in a brave new direction. It also foreshadowed the tone of his later speech, in which he famously implored Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."

Rosa Parks

"I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."— Rosa Parks

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to get up from her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, saying in multiple interviews after the fact that she was “tired,” though not necessarily in the physical sense. Though she knew her decision to stay put could have cost her her life — or at the least, a heavy fine or jail time — Parks decided to stick to her guns, and the moment became a pivotal point in the ongoing fight against racial discrimination and oppression. Parks stressed the importance of not allowing fear to keep you from standing up for yourself in her co-authored book, Quiet Strength: The Faith, the Hope, and the Heart of a Woman Who Changed a Nation.

Frida Kahlo

"At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can."

— Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo is revered in equal parts for her work as an artist and as an activist. Born and raised in Mexico City, Kahlo drew much of her inspiration from the challenges she faced both physically and emotionally: She had polio as a child and suffered its effects well into adulthood, and later, as an adult, she almost died from a horrific bus accident that left her pelvis and spine completely shattered. Still, Kahlo found strength amid adversity, turning to art for both solace and inspiration. Her quote above demonstrates her belief in all women’s inner strength, and serves as a welcome reminder that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

"My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent."— Ruth Bader Ginsburg

As far as cultural icons go, Ruth Bader Ginsburg became her own brand of cool in the nearly three decades that she served as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Known in certain circles as “the Notorious RBG,” Ginsburg was an outspoken feminist, a trailblazer, and a role model for countless young girls. In interviews over the years, she often asserted the above sentiment, showing how her own mother, Celia Bader, had instilled that sense of strength and independence into Ruth from an early age.

Audre Lorde

"I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We've been taught that silence would save us, but it won't."— Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was a trailblazer in just about every facet of her life. Celebrated for her work as a poet (she was named New York’s Poet Laureate in 1991), Lorde was also an activist and a librarian who believed deeply in the power of words to enact real change in the world. She once described herself as a “black lesbian feminist warrior mother,” and all of those identities are fully represented in the above quote, in which Lorde champions self-respect and voice above all else.

Oprah Winfrey

"Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create."— Oprah Winfrey

There are few things that Oprah Winfrey says that don’t immediately feel quotable. Of the many words of wisdom that she has imparted upon her viewers over the years, however, this quote, excerpted from her book, What I Know for Sure, encompasses much of what the media mogul stands for. She encourages us to create our own destiny; accept agency into our life; push back against the tug of inevitability. Winfrey, who herself struggled through a troubled childhood, has used her own story as an example of what is possible if only we decide to take control of our own narratives.

Barack Obama

"Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals."— Barack Obama

Barack Obama's 2008 presidential election victory speech focused on the major issues facing the United States and the world at the time. During his campaign, Obama made it clear that he saw America as a perpetual work in progress. With the line above, he sought to reassure allies and warn enemies that America would remain focused on its ideals of “democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.”

Dolly Parton

"I still believe that women should get paid equal and should be treated with respect. I’m all about that. I don’t get out and have to preach it or march in the streets, I write about it."— Dolly Parton

Known for her historic library of country music classics (she’s written about 3,000 songs herself, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5”)  her flamboyant outfits, and her own breed of philanthropy and activism, Dolly Parton has been a hero to many young girls and women for decades now. In an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, she made clear her stance on equal pay and gender equality — just in case anyone had any doubts about where she stood. Parton has long been known to steer clear of talking politics in a public setting, but that doesn’t mean she’s been any less effective at inspiring action from generations of women.

Serena Williams

"The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble."— Serena Williams

Considered by many to be one of the greatest athletes of all time, tennis pro Serena Williams has broken countless records, including holding more Grand Slam singles titles than any other man or woman in history. Though she is known for her spirited displays on the court, off the court Williams is often calm and reflective; at the 2015 Glamour Women of the Year Awards, she took to the stage to share this sage advice, encouraging young women everywhere to lift each other up instead of getting trapped in harmful cycles of competitiveness.

Malala Yousafzi

"I truly believe the only way we can create global peace is through not only educating our minds, but our hearts and our souls."— Malala Yousafzi

Malala Yousafzi

In 2012, then 15-year-old Malala Yousafzi was shot in the head while on her way home from school in her native Pakistan, targeted because she had been an outspoken critic of the Taliban’s prohibition on education for girls. Fortunately, she survived the shooting, and doubled down on her efforts to fight for equal access to education. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize one year later, in 2013, the same year she spoke the aforementioned quote at the opening of the Library of Birmingham in England. In her speech, she paid homage to the importance of reading, writing, and books as necessary tools for achieving global peace.

Stephen King

It’s hard to imagine the horror genre without Stephen King. The acclaimed writer has published more than 60 novels and some 200 short stories, and his books have sold more than 350 million copies altogether. His first published novel, Carrie, set the ball rolling in 1974. Since then, his modern horror classics have included The Shining, The Stand, Cujo, Pet Sematary and It, as well as fantastical novels such as The Dark Tower series and The Green Mile. Many of King’s stories have been adapted into popular movies and TV series, only increasing his reputation as a master of the genre.

Off the page, King has never been shy about speaking his mind. When he’s not terrifying people with his evocative stories, he’s happy to weigh in on all manner of subjects: life and love, creativity and writing, politics, and monsters both real and imagined. His humor is often self-deprecating and he certainly hasn’t let fame go to his head. When speaking about his own success, for example, he referred to himself as “the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and fries.”

Bob Dylan

"If a song moves you, that’s all that’s important. I don’t have to know what a song means. I’ve written all kinds of things into my songs. And I’m not going to worry about it — what it all means."— Bob Dylan, 2016

The 2016 Nobel Prize in literature went to master songwriter Bob Dylan for introducing a new type of poetry to American music through his lyrics. He spent his acceptance speech musing on how his songs relate to literature, and the meaning and messages behind them. Ultimately, he made the point that analysis and interpretation of art isn’t really all that important. As long as what you’re listening to, seeing, or experiencing has meaning to you personally, that’s what matters.

Wisława Szymborska

"Whatever inspiration is, it’s born from a continuous "I don’t know.""

— Wisława Szymborska, 1996

Wisława Szymborska’s poetry won her the Nobel Prize in 1996. Her speech was speckled with now-famous quotes, including the one above, as well this clever opener: “They say the first sentence in any speech is always the hardest. Well, that one’s behind me, anyway.” In her speech, she reflected that life is full of challenges, difficulties, and setbacks, but in trying to find solutions and continuing to push forward, we also find inspiration.

Toni Morrison

"We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives."— Toni Morrison, 1993

In 1993, Toni Morrison became the first Black woman to win a Nobel Prize, which she earned in the literature category. Her novels showcase the realities and struggles of life as a Black American. The Nobel Committee specifically noted that “she delves into the language itself, a language she wants to liberate from the fetters of race,” which we can see in this line from her acceptance speech. Whatever the actual meaning of life may be, how we communicate and tell our own stories sets us apart from all other living creatures on Earth.

Elie Wiesel

"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."— Elie Wiesel, 1986

Writer, activist, and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 for being a spiritual leader and guide for speaking out against oppression. His poignant speech centered the importance of standing up for what’s right. Here, Wiesel notes that staying silent amid wrongdoing lets harm continue unchecked and empowers whoever is causing the harm. The best way to help someone who can’t help themselves is to raise your voice on their behalf.

Lech Wałęsa

"Silence, too, can speak out."

— Lech Wałęsa, 1983

Before becoming the first Polish president ever elected by popular vote, Lech Wałęsa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his tireless efforts fighting nonviolently for human rights and trade unions in his country. This line from his acceptance speech shows that silence can carry a gravity of its own. You don’t need to shout or even speak to make your point; sometimes a well-placed silence makes it for you.

Martin Luther King Jr.

I think Alfred Nobel would know what I mean when I say that I accept this award in the spirit of a curator of some precious heirloom which he holds in trust for its true owners — all those to whom beauty is truth and truth beauty — and in whose eyes the beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.— Martin Luther King Jr., 1964

This is the final line of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 acceptance speech for his Nobel Peace Prize. He won it for a lifetime of dedication to peace and nonviolent activism — but he felt the honor wasn't his alone. Here, King is saying that working toward a societal goal takes a whole village. Behind every person who’s earned an award like the Nobel Prize is a long line of people who helped them get there.

May 23

Infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde are killed by police (1934); RIP John D. Rockefeller (1937); German Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann revealed to have been captured in Argentina (1960); HBD musician Jewel (1974); RIP James Bond actor Roger Moore (2017).

Selma Lagerlöf

"I am in debt not only to people; there is the whole of nature as well. The animals that walk the earth, the birds in the skies, the trees and flowers, they have all told me some of their secrets."— Selma Lagerlöf, 1909

When Selma Lagerlöf accepted her Nobel Prize for literature in 1909 — the first woman to win that prize — she used the speech to tell a story, a tale of missing her father and daydreaming what an encounter would be like with him at that moment. In the line above, she speaks of debts, and all the various people, places, and things she owed her inspiration to. These things allowed her to create stories full of life and vivid details. The quote shows that inspiration doesn’t come from one particular place; it can and does come from everything around you.

David Steindl-Rast

"Joy is that kind of happiness that does not depend on what happens."

David Steindl-Rast

David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk and co-founder of an interfaith organization called the Center for Spiritual Studies. In 1974, he was awarded the Martin Buber Award for his work in building dialogues between religions. Steindl-Rast is also a popular lecturer best known for his teachings on gratitude: He posits that being grateful is the foundation of happiness, because it reminds us of the joy we already have. His words here encourage us to treasure the gifts that come our way, regardless of what may happen next.

Peter Diamandis

"If the risk is fully aligned with your purpose and mission, then it’s worth considering." Peter Diamandis

Having started more than 20 companies, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis is intimately familiar with risk-taking. A veteran of Silicon Valley, Diamandis’ initiatives, including starting the XPRIZE Foundation, center around futuristic concepts such as AI, space tourism, and human longevity. His projects focus on technologies with enormous potential to change the way we live, inviting both risk and progress. Diamandis’ words encourage us not to write off the bold move: Taking a leap of faith can help us grow in ways we can’t imagine.

Anselm Kiefer

"Ruins, for me, are the beginning. With the debris, you can construct new ideas." Anselm Kiefer

Anselm Kiefer is a prolific visual artist. In his decades-long career, he has created countless paintings, installations, sculptures, prints, and photographs, often incorporating material such as lead, clay, and ash into his finished works. A lifelong resident of Germany, he draws inspiration from the history and culture of Europe. He often revisits the same material — say, a wheat field — over and over, so his work becomes a sort of historical record in itself, showing how something can come into being, pass away, and rise again. This is a theme of Kiefer’s work: Everything comes from something, and sometimes ruins are, in fact, just the beginning.

Jesse Eisenberg

"I'm doing many different things to prepare for the inevitable failure of one of them." Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg, known for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s 2010 film "The Social Network" and other film roles, is also a director, producer, and writer. In an interview with "The Talks," he discussed his road to stardom and his love of writing and acting for the theater. With great candor, he shared how working as an artist carries with it a certain degree of uncertainty. To counterbalance the fact that not every project will be successful, he keeps several creative endeavors going simultaneously. It’s a good reminder, even for those of us not working in a creative field: Failures are a natural part of life, but if we can be flexible and roll with the punches, we will find our way to success.

Robert Frost

Some poets embellish the glamor and bustle of cities, the intersections of the many lives being lived in busy streets. Poet Robert Frost (1874-1963) took the opposite tack, staying simple and close to home: His poems are recognized for their sparse, straightforward tone and their depiction of everyday life against the backdrop of his beloved home in rural New England. Frost was born in California but spent the majority of his life in New England, and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire landscapes had a deep influence on his writing. One of his most widely quoted poems is “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” which depicts a solitary winter evening in the forest: "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep." Frost also worked as a teacher and a farmer to make ends meet, and this familiarity with the realities of country life often seeped into his poetry. As a writer, Frost is remembered as somewhat of a maverick, in more ways than one. He shunned the popular Romantic writing style of the time, breaking away from its strict conventions and benevolent view of nature for a more honest and stark depiction of landscape he knew. He also reached success later in life than many of his contemporaries: Though he began writing in high school, his first book wasn’t published until he was nearly 40. It was 10 years after that, as Frost was entering his fifties, that his collection “New Hampshire” received the Pulitzer Prize. He went on to become the only poet to win four Pulitzers, as well as several other national honors. Frost’s work is now a staple of the American poetic tradition, valued for its down-to-earth renderings of everyday life and honest emotions. Here are 17 quotes from the poems, public interviews, and letters of America’s “rural sage,” on everything from persistence and nature to creativity and love.

Stephen Sondheim

Few names are more respected or revered on Broadway than Stephen Sondheim. A brilliant composer and lyricist, Sondheim (1930-2021) created a new kind of American musical, at once deeply personal, dynamic, and full of wisdom. Sondheim was born in New York City in 1930. Before setting his first words to music, the young composer was mentored by another musical titan, Oscar Hammerstein II, the lyrical genius behind classic shows such as “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” and “The Sound of Music.” Sondheim yearned to be just like him one day — and he more than succeeded. In his 50-year career, Sondheim created a body of work more eclectic than any composer-lyricist in Broadway history. There’s the cynical romance of “Company” (1970), the devilishly dark tale of “Sweeny Todd” (1979), a portrait of an artist in “Sunday in the Park With George” (1984), and the fantastical fairytale romp “Into the Woods” (1987). This impressive variety was intentional: Sondheim told “The New York Times” in 2008 that what made a story most appealing to him was if he had never done it before. “If it doesn’t make you nervous,” he said, “you’re going to write the same thing you wrote before.” These 20 quotes from Sondheim musicals illustrate the songwriter’s views on life, love, and success. While all these sayings come from the mouths of various characters — from different generations, locations, and even realities — they form a vision of Sondheim’s life philosophy: to get out there and live.

Michelle Zauner

[I] had come of age feeling like my belonging was something to prove. Something that was always in the hands of other people to be given and never my own to take… I could never be of both worlds, only half in and half out, waiting to be ejected at will by someone with greater claim than me. Someone whole. — Michelle Zauner, "Crying in H Mart" Michelle Zauner found success as the lead singer of experimental pop band Japanese Breakfast, but in 2021, she became known to a whole new audience as an author, too. Her memoir, Crying in H Mart, is an expansion of an essay by the same title, which she published in The New Yorker in 2018. It weaves together different elements of Zauner’s life, all tied together by food, grief, and unshakeable familial bonds.

Tina Turner

The huge voice, the big hair, the towering personality — has anyone ever strutted their stuff quite like Tina Turner? In a career that covered five decades, the singer wowed crowds around the world with her mix of hits spanning rhythm-and-blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. She picked up an impressive 12 Grammy Awards, and along the way even managed to give Mad Max a run for his money as the glamorous Aunty Entity in 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Classic singles such as “River Deep, Mountain High,” “What's Love Got to Do With It,” and “The Best” propelled Turner to stardom and secured her a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame not once, but twice — first alongside Ike Turner in 1991 and again 30 years later as a solo artist. After ending a tumultuous and abusive relationship with husband Ike, Turner struggled at first to make it big on her own. But in the 1980s, she pulled off what Billboard called “one of the greatest comebacks in music history.” In 1984, at the age of 44, she released the multi-platinum album Private Dancer, which won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The diva was back, and better than ever. After joining Turner onstage during the final concert of her 1985 British tour, David Bowie famously said, “Standing up there next to her was the hottest place in the universe.” Today, at 82, Turner remains an inspiration — and along with her songs, she has given us plenty of wise words through the years, including the following quotes on self-confidence, inner beauty, and overcoming adversity.

Marie Kondo

It’s been about 10 years since Marie Kondo’s trademark phrase “spark joy” entered the American lexicon, and the Japanese organizing consultant’s impact has only grown. The core of Kondo’s organizing philosophy, known as the KonMari Method, is this: Keep only what sparks joy, and be at peace with letting go of all the rest. Her approach to decluttering spaces has become so popular that it’s led to appearances on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as well as two Netflix series: Tidying Up With Marie Kondo and Sparking Joy With Marie Kondo. In 2019, a clip of Kondo exclaiming, “I love mess!” became one of Time magazine’s 10 best memes of the year. So what is it about the concept of sparking joy that has captured America’s attention? It’s possible that what makes Kondo’s method so appealing is the emphasis on joy as the primary guiding principle, as opposed to order or control or guilt. Instead of casting any sort of judgment on our consumerist tendencies, Kondo instead asks us to be mindful of our spaces and intentional about what we surround ourselves with. “My criterion for deciding to keep an item is that we should feel a thrill of joy when we touch it,” she has said. As we head into a new season and begin to think about the daunting task of spring cleaning, let these 18 Marie Kondo quotes about organization motivate you to declutter your life, making room for more joy, possibility, and renewal.

Maya Angelou

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back." — Maya Angelou Many of the markers of love that we learn when we’re young manifest themselves in the love language of physical touch: hugging, kissing, holding hands, cuddling, and yes, even sex. Individuals who consider physical touch to be their primary love language crave affirmation through small gestures that indicate desirability, comfort, security, or all of the above. An important caveat here is that physical touch is a love language that has consent baked into its core; an unwanted touch could very easily send someone bolting off in the opposite direction. People who consider physical touch to be a part of their love lexicon might also reach out to put a hand on someone’s shoulder when they seem to be distressed, or offer up a hug to show support and express empathy. In other words, physical touch — or any of the love languages — does not always have to be linked to romantic love.

Ryan O’Connell

"Somebody loves you if they don’t mind the quiet. They don’t mind running errands with you or cleaning your apartment while blasting some annoying music. There’s no pressure, no need to fill the silences. It’s a damn dream when you find someone you can do nothing with. Whether you’re skydiving together or sitting at home and doing different things, it’s always comfortable. That is f***ing love." — Ryan O’Connell, author Sometimes the best way to show someone that you care is to simply show up. For some couples, spending hours together just relaxing — maybe binging a new series, or reading side by side, or going on walks together — is what helps to affirm their relationship. Quality time is a love language that has less to do with explicit declarations of love and more to do with just spending intentional time and attention with the ones you care about most. Eye contact, active listening, and positive body language are all a part of quality time; in other words, just being in the same room with someone while being distracted by the phone or other screens isn’t exactly honoring the “quality” aspect of quality time together.

William Shakespeare

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite. — Juliet, in William Shakespeare’s "Romeo & Juliet" Gifts are an age-old way for one individual to convey affection for another. In romantic relationships, gift-giving is a key love language for some; both giving and receiving as visual representations of love play a big part in many couples’s relationships. Giving a gift to someone means that you’ve spent time, effort, and thoughts on a loved one, regardless of the actual cash value of the present: A handmade card or flowers picked from a garden can hold just as much meaning as an expensive piece of jewelry or extravagant meal. The key to an effective gift, of course, is making sure that the object reflects the recipient’s values, and not just your own.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

"Familiar acts are beautiful through love." — Percy Bysshe Shelley The phrase “actions speak louder than words” comes to mind for folks who delight in acts of service as their love language. These people feel that small daily actions convey more than any grand soliloquy ever could. Acts of service can include everything from making coffee for your partner in the morning to putting gas in the tank when you notice the meter is running low. These gestures aren’t always grand, but they go a long way to show a partner that you care enough to pay attention to the little things that can help make their days just a bit easier, brighter, and better.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning For individuals who identify words of affirmation as their primary love language, verbal acknowledgements of affection and attention are vital to their relationship satisfaction. This can range between anything from a simple “I love you” to “thank you for doing that” to “you’re such a great listener.” Those who receive these compliments feel seen and appreciated, and those who deliver these words are expressing their love for their partners in the best way they know how.

Amelia Earhart

n May 1932, Amelia Earhart landed her Lockheed Vega in a cow pasture in Ballyarnett, Northern Ireland. When a local farmer asked, “Have you flown far?” the 34-year-old pilot replied, “From America.” In fact, she had just become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart’s historic flight made her an international celebrity. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from the United States Congress, and became friends with many notable figures of the era, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Her story, however, ended in tragedy just five years later, when Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, disappeared while attempting to complete a circumnavigational flight of the globe. The famed pilot’s disappearance — and the ongoing mystery surrounding it — has often overshadowed her other achievements. Earhart was a true pioneer of aviation: She was one of the first aviators to promote commercial air travel; fundamental in the formation of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization for female pilots; and an erudite author whose books about her flying experiences became bestsellers. She also became a feminist icon, although she didn’t see herself as such. “I cannot claim to be a feminist,” she once told a friend, “but do rather enjoy seeing women tackling all kinds of new problems.” Earhart was and remains an inspiration, for her bravery and determination, her modern outlook on life, and her shining personality. As Walter J. Boyne, the former director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, once wrote, “Amelia Earhart came perhaps before her time… the smiling, confident, capable, yet compassionate human being, is one of which we can all be proud.” Through her writing and numerous interviews, Earhart left us with many inspirational words, on everything from the joy of flying to the empowerment of women, to the simple beauty of living.

Maya Angelou

In her 86 years of life, Maya Angelou experienced and accomplished more than most people would in 10 lifetimes. Early in her career, she worked as a streetcar conductor, cook, and nightclub performer, among other jobs. In the 1960s, she became active in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She also acted, wrote, and directed for the stage, TV, and movies, and she gave lectures, composed music, wrote two cookbooks, and recited a poem at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration. Somehow, Angelou also found time to write seven autobiographies, beginning in 1969 with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. These are considered her most important works, dealing with themes such as race, identity, and family. During her incredible career, she received many awards and accolades, including more than 50 honorary degrees, three Grammys, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Writing helped Angelou to find her voice — quite literally in this case. Angelou was raped when she was just a young girl, after which she stopped speaking for several years. “I was a mute from the time I was seven and a half until I was almost 13,” she explained in an interview with the Academy of Achievement. “I didn’t speak. I had a voice, but I refused to use it.” Through her poetry and prose — and through reading it aloud — Angelou rediscovered her voice. With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she became one of the first Black American women to discuss her personal life in such a public manner. She wrote openly and honestly, both to forgive others and to forgive herself. As Angelou once said, “It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself, because if you live you will make mistakes.” Wise words such as these have become a part of Angelou’s legacy. Here are some of her greatest quotes, born of her singular writing ability, life experience, compassion, and wisdom.

James Baldwin

(1924-1987) will forever be remembered as one of the greatest writers and thinkers in U.S. history, though so much of his work was critical of the very beliefs that America was founded upon. Baldwin was a vocal critic of the nation’s racist practices and institutions, pointing out the pervasiveness of white supremacy in every corner of society. For Baldwin, this was a central tenet of what it meant to be a citizen of not just the country but the world: to be alive to the possibility of change even in the face of hardship. Baldwin was born in 1924 in Harlem, where he grew up with a young single mother. His mother married a Baptist minister when Baldwin was three years old, and his complicated relationship with the man would later inspire his first novel, 1953’s dynamic Go Tell It on the Mountain, which also tackles issues of race, rage, religion, and identity. Baldwin was a curious, voracious reader and writer from an early age. Over the years, he grew into a true boundary-pushing intellectual who unapologetically expressed his rage through his writing, shining a light on the continued oppression of Black people, homosexuals — he was one of the first writers to address homosexuality outright — and anyone who didn’t fit into the American mainstream. After a three-year stint in New York City’s Greenwich Village and some literary success in the U.S., Baldwin’s complicated relationship with his home country drove him to move to Paris to escape America’s systemic racism. Some of his most celebrated works were born from this decision to become, as he called it, a “transatlantic commuter.” These include his novels Giovanni’s Room (1956) and Another Country (1962), and his essay collection Notes of a Native Son (1955). Baldwin’s ideas were, and continue to be, hugely influential. He inspired other legendary writers — everyone from Maya Angelou to Toni Morrison — and wrote bravely and openly on topics that are still crucial and complex today, despite being criticized for it in his time. His most famous writings tackle issues of race, homosexuality, social justice, and spirituality, laying out the complexities of being a gay Black man in America. His ability to distill nuanced ideas into dynamic prose and poetry has made his work an invaluable part of the American literary canon.

Jackie Robinson

On April 15, 1947, spectators at Ebbets Field — then home to the Brooklyn Dodgers — witnessed history in the making. Among the ranks of the Dodgers was a 28-year-old rookie named Jackie Robinson, the first Black baseball player to play in the American major leagues. When Robinson stepped out onto Ebbets Field that day, he broke baseball’s “color line,” the long-existing but unofficial form of racial segregation that excluded players of Black African descent from Major League Baseball and its affiliated minor leagues. It was a historic day, but Robinson wasn’t there just to break racial barriers — he was there to win. That same year, Robinson led the league in stolen bases and was named Rookie of the Year. Just two years later, he was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. He went on to lead the Dodgers to six league championships and one World Series victory. As legendary manager Leo Durocher once said, “This guy didn’t just come to play. This guy comes to beat you.” Robinson, however, was up against more than just the opposing team. He had to overcome racist abuse from opposing players, spectators and, initially, from his own teammates. Robinson’s experience with discrimination — combined with his resolute nature and rising status in baseball — drove him to become an important voice in the civil rights movement. He made appearances with Martin Luther King Jr., and politician and civil rights activist John Lewis said Robinson “gave the Black community a sense of hope, a sense of pride.” Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and, after his death in 1972, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also left us with many wise and inspiring quotes, whether talking about baseball, personal integrity, or the ongoing pursuit of a free and just society.

Nelson Mandela

"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to see realized. But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." — Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela gave his “I Am Prepared to Die” speech from the dock as a defendant at the Rivonia Trial of 1964, in which he and other leading opponents of apartheid went on trial on charges of sabotage, a crime that carried the death penalty. The three-hour speech is considered one of the great speeches of the 20th century, and a rallying cry for racial justice and democratic ideals. Mandela, however, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He served 27 years of the sentence, and four years after his release in 1990, he was elected the first Black president of South Africa.

Martin Luther King Jr.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." — Martin Luther King Jr. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered what would become a defining moment of the civil rights movement — and one of the most iconic speeches in U.S. history. King addressed the crowd of some 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, calling for an end to racism in the United States, and civil and economic rights for all citizens.

John F. Kennedy

"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."— John F. Kennedy President John F. Kennedy’s speech at Rice University in 1962 made NASA’s fledgling Apollo program a national priority. In doing so, he paved the way for one of humankind’s greatest achievements: stepping onto the lunar surface in 1969. The speech had far-reaching consequences, not only for the space race but for space exploration for decades to come.

Emmeline Pankhurst

I come to ask you to help to win this fight. If we win it, this hardest of all fights, then, to be sure, in the future it is going to be made easier for women all over the world to win their fight when their time comes. — Emmeline Pankhurst When British activist Emmeline Pankhurst traveled to Hartford, Connecticut for an event in November 1913, where she delivered a speech that united suffragists and suffragettes from both nations, bolstering and expanding the fight for women’s voting rights. Her “Freedom or Death” speech is considered one of the most important of her career.

Abraham Lincoln

That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. — Abraham Lincoln On November 19, 1863 — a little over four months after Union armies defeated the Confederacy at the decisive Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War — President Lincoln delivered a short speech in honor of those who died in defense of freedom. The speech was only about 272 words long (the precise wording is disputed), but the Gettysburg Address remains one of the most important speeches in U.S. history and a turning point in the Civil War.

Galileo Galilei

I hold the sun to be situated motionless in the center of the revolution of the celestial orbs while the earth rotates on its axis and revolves about the sun. — Galileo Galilei Heliocentrism — the idea that the Earth and planets revolve around the sun at the center of the universe— had been around since the ancient Greeks. But it was Galileo who first provided proof using a telescope. In 1615, he was investigated by the Roman Inquisition of the Catholic Church for his supposedly heretical beliefs, and spent part of his life under house arrest. Today, he is considered the father of observational astronomy, modern physics, and the scientific method.

Queen Elizabeth I

I know I have the body but of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm. — Queen Elizabeth I In 1588, while awaiting an expected invasion by the Spanish Armada, Queen Elizabeth I addressed her troops gathered at Tilbury, England. Elizabeth, dressed in a white velvet dress and wearing a breastplate, rode among her troops upon a gray horse, cutting an almost mythical figure. While her rousing speech didn’t directly affect the outcome of the failed Armada, the English had a newfound faith in their queen, which would help make the small nation a world power.

Oscar Wilde

"To have become a deeper man is the privilege of those who have suffered." Oscar Wilde When Irish author and playwright Oscar Wilde wrote that suffering was a “privilege,” he did so from experience. Wilde, who was convicted and imprisoned for having a sexual relationship with a man, understood that overcoming adversity gives us perspective, appreciation, and understanding. While incarcerated at Reading Gaol in England in 1897, Wilde wrote a letter to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, describing the spiritual awakening he experienced in prison. The letter was eventually published in 1905, five years after Wilde’s death, under the title "De Profundis," a Latin term meaning “from the depths.”

May 21

American Red Cross founded by Clara Barton (1881); Jazz musician Fats Waller born (1904);  FIFA, world governing body of association football, founded (1904); Amelia Earhart becomes first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic (1932); RIP Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jane Addams (1935); Rapper Notorious B.I.G. born (1972).

May 20

Christopher Columbus dies (1506); Charles Lindbergh makes first nonstop flight across the Atlantic (1927); HBD singer-songwriter Cher (1946); First photograph sent from Hubble Space Telescope (1990).

May 19

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, is beheaded (1536); TE Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia, dies (1935); André the Giant born (1946); RIP former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1994); Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle (2018).

Jacinda Ardern

"Leadership is not about necessarily being the loudest in the room." Jacinda Ardern

Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s youngest prime minister in 150 years when she was sworn in at 37 years old in 2017. Since then, she has worked steadily on gender equality initiatives such as equal pay for women and paid parental leave, and comforted her country through times of crisis. The prime minister’s words here remind us that leaders make the most impact when they listen to the people around them, try to find common ground, and lift up those who need it most.

May 18

Pope John Paul II is born (1920); Jacqueline Cochran is first woman to break sound barrier (1953); HBD actress Tina Fey (1970); Mount St. Helens erupts, killing 57 (1980); Facebook raises $16B; largest initial public offering for a tech company at the time (2012).

May 17

Aristides is first winner of the Kentucky Derby (1875); Brown v. Board of Education decision outlaws racial segregation in public schools (1954); HBD boxer Sugar Ray Leonard (1956); First same-sex marriages performed in the US (2004); RIP singer Donna Summer (2012).

Isaac Newton

Truth is ever to be found in simplicity.

Isaac Newton

One of the most influential scientists in history, Isaac Newton laid the foundation for modern physics, invented the field of calculus, and developed the laws of motion and the theory of gravity. He was also a lifelong philosopher who asked and tried to answer many questions about the universe. Newton was committed to seeking out truths about the world we live in, and he concluded that regardless of the complexities of the universe, "Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things." 

Confucius

Kung-fu-tsu, better known to the Western world as Confucius, was a philosopher, sage, and teacher whose wisdom has shaped Chinese thought for over 2,000 years. Born into a China that was a mosaic of small and often warring states, Confucius developed a philosophy that sought to bring peace and prosperity to all people.

Confucianism was deeply rooted in ethics, virtue, and correct behavior. It taught that each person could contribute to universal harmony if they practiced self-discipline, cultivated their characters, and performed the roles that had been allotted to them. Not everyone could be born a king or lord, but being a good parent or dutiful child could be just as nourishing to the soul and important to a peaceful existence.

To Confucius, happiness came not through gluttony and self-indulgence, but through frugality and duty to others. He believed fulfilling the needs of others could also fill oneself with serenity and gratitude. Forgoing one’s duty to serve, on the other hand, could have wider damaging effects: A ruler who ignored the needs of their subjects might unbalance the cosmos and suffer a reign beset with natural disasters.

Confucius set out four simple virtues that he believed were enough to keep the world in its proper order: benevolence, moral wisdom, righteousness, and observance of traditional rituals. According to Confucianism, ritual brings together a community in peace and helps to cultivate “ren,” a Chinese word meaning humanity, goodness, and love. Confucius taught that once we understand our shared humanity, we open ourselves up to feelings of altruism, respect for one another, and even friendship.

In Confucius’ idea of the ideal state, the rulers were kind, religion was properly celebrated, and the wise were treasured. Despite living in difficult times and often in exile, Confucius spent his life seeking to help others achieve this.

After Confucius’ death in 479 BCE, his disciples spread around the country to advise Chinese rulers in his worldview and political theories. In time, Confucianism became the dominant philosophy in China and other parts of eastern Asia, and remained so for centuries. Confucius’ sayings have endured to this day (and many others have been falsely attributed to the sage). 

Confucius was born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu (modern Shandong province). His father, Kong He, was commander of the army garrison and died when Confucius was only three years old. Filial piety, the respect for your parents, would become a central tenet of Confucianism. “When your father is alive, observe his will. When your father is dead observe his former actions,” Confucius said. He believed a loving and respectful family unit was vital to a well-functioning society.

Confucius was sent to school to learn the ways of the gentleman. His studies included the Six Arts of classical China: music, archery, religious rites, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. One who mastered these was thought to have everything an honorable person required. Confucius learned to love knowledge, and thought an education could improve a person’s character as well as their mind. He believed learning should be done “for the sake of the self,” and could be a process that lasted a lifetime. “To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous,” he said.

Confucius lived in Lu, a state controlled by a family of dukes at a time when rival families were squabbling for power. Many common people suffered as the great lords fought. By 501 BCE, Confucius’ wisdom was recognized and he was given a small town to govern. He thought that just as a family should respect a patriarch, so should a state have one respected ruler. With no army of his own, he used words and persuasion to disarm the feuding powers of Lu.

Confucius gathered many followers and disciples thanks to his profound wisdom. He sent those he taught to convince important people in the ways of peace and common humanity. His disciple Zhong You was appointed as chief magistrate in the city of Pu (near modern-day Changyuan), and another disciple, Ran Qiu, advised members of the Lu court.

Confucius’ ideas of reform were not met with universal approval in China. His attempts to return rulers to their traditional piety and frugality would have hampered their lavish lifestyles. Other dukes worried that the Duke of Lu would become too powerful with the philosopher by his side, advising him as governor. When Confucius disapproved of the way his lord was behaving, he went into self-exile from Lu. He did not blame others for his distress but turned it into an opportunity for personal growth. He realized that by visiting other Chinese states he could refine his teachings.

Examining how other lords ruled and other people lived only increased Confucius’ belief in the unity of humanity. “By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart,” he said. Confucius believed we could educate ourselves to come together.

While in exile, Confucius was always on the move, yet he still found time to learn and to teach. He believed a person was only truly themselves when they were with others: A sage sitting alone in the mountains may be wise but can only be a teacher if they have students. Confucius believed that what is good for society is good for the individual, because each person we meet can have something to teach us..

One of Confucius’ most famous sayings has been echoed through the ages, often referred to as the “Golden Rule,” and phrased in English as “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The basic principle of treating others the way we wish to be treated is found across the world’s religions, cultures, and ethical theories today, and the idea was central to Confucius’ teachings. When asked whether there was one word that could guide a person through life, Confucius replied, “reciprocity.”

Confucius finally returned to his home in Lu at age 68. He never had been able to put his plans for the perfect state into practice, but he spent his final years with his closest disciples, continuing to teach and advise. After his death at age 72, Confucius’ followers spread his philosophy across China. Confucius’ ideals — such as “Jen,” compassion, and “Yi,” justice — became the foundation of Chinese education. Today he is still offered reverence, as generations of people heed his words and wisdom in a world Confucius could not have imagined.

May 16

First Academy Awards hosted (1929); Warsaw Ghetto Uprising ends (1943); HBD Janet Jackson (1966); RIP comedian Andy Kaufman (1984); RIP "Muppets" creator Jim Henson (1990).

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

"That's the very reason they put rubbers on the end of pencils... because people make mistakes."

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

This message of forgiveness and do-overs speaks to actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s own view on life. Best known as the creator, writer, and star of the beloved TV comedy "Fleabag," and the showrunner of the spy thriller series "Killing Eve," Waller-Bridge brings to life unconventional women who make a lot of mistakes. But just as this metaphor suggests, her lovably flawed characters often get a chance at redemption. Moving past their mistakes offers them an opportunity to prove something to themselves, and come out stronger and more confident on the other side. 

George Lucas

George Walton Lucas Jr. (born May 14, 1944) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and entrepreneur. Lucas is best known for creating the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises and founding Lucasfilm, LucasArts, and Industrial Light & Magic. He served as chairman of Lucasfilm before selling it to The Walt Disney Company in 2012.

After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1967, Lucas co-founded American Zoetrope with filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Lucas wrote and directed THX 1138 (1971), based on his student short Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB, which was a critical success but a financial failure. His next work as a writer-director was the film American Graffiti (1973), inspired by his youth in the early 1960s Modesto, California, and produced through the newly founded Lucasfilm. The film was critically and commercially successful and received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture.

Lucas's next film, the epic space opera Star Wars (1977), had a troubled production but was a surprise hit, becoming the highest-grossing film at the time, winning six Academy Awards and sparking a cultural phenomenon. Lucas produced and co-wrote the sequels The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). With director Steven Spielberg, he created, produced, and co-wrote the Indiana Jones films Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), The Temple of Doom (1984), The Last Crusade (1989) and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). Lucas is also known for his collaboration with composer John Williams, who was recommended to him by Spielberg, and with whom he has worked for all the films in both of these franchises. He also produced and wrote a variety of films and television series through Lucasfilm between the 1970s and the 2010s.

In 1997, Lucas re-released the Star Wars Trilogy as part of a special edition featuring several alterations; home media versions with further changes were released in 2004 and 2011. He returned to directing with a Star Wars prequel trilogy comprising Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). He last collaborated on the CGI-animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2014, 2020), the war film Red Tails (2012), and the CGI film Strange Magic (2015).

Lucas is one of history's most financially successful filmmakers and has been nominated for four Academy Awards. His films are among the 100 highest-grossing movies at the North American box office, adjusted for ticket-price inflation.^[3] Lucas is considered one of the most significant figures of the 20th-century New Hollywood movement, and a pioneer of the modern blockbuster.

May 14

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embark on their famous expedition (1804); HBD "Stars Wars" creator and filmmaker George Lucas (1944); HBD Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett (1969); Skylab, the first US space station, launched (1973); RIP singer and actor Frank Sinatra (1998); RIP Blues musician B.B. King (2015).

Andrew Russell Garfield

 (born 20 August 1983) is an English and American actor.^[2][3][4] He has received various accolades, including a Tony Award, a British Academy Television Award and a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for a Laurence Olivier Award, two Academy Awards and three British Academy Film Awards.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Epsom, England, Garfield trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and began his career on the UK stage and in television productions. He made his feature film debut in the 2007 ensemble drama Lions for Lambs and won the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for his performance in the television film Boy A (2007). He came to international attention in 2010 with the supporting role of Eduardo Saverin in the drama The Social Network, for which he received nominations for a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Garfield gained wider recognition for playing Spider-Man in the superhero films The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and later in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). He received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor for starring as Desmond Doss in the war film Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and as Jonathan Larson in the musical Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021). He also won a Golden Globe Award for the latter.

On stage, Garfield has starred in Broadway revivals of Death of a Salesman in 2012 and Angels in America in 2017. For the former, he received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and for the latter, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Epsom, England, Garfield trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and began his career on the UK stage and in television productions. He made his feature film debut in the 2007 ensemble drama Lions for Lambs and won the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for his performance in the television film Boy A (2007). He came to international attention in 2010 with the supporting role of Eduardo Saverin in the drama The Social Network, for which he received nominations for a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Garfield gained wider recognition for playing Spider-Man in the superhero films The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and later in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). He received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor for starring as Desmond Doss in the war film Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and as Jonathan Larson in the musical Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021). He also won a Golden Globe Award for the latter.

On stage, Garfield has starred in Broadway revivals of Death of a Salesman in 2012 and Angels in America in 2017. For the former, he received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and for the latter, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Epsom, England, Garfield trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and began his career on the UK stage and in television productions. He made his feature film debut in the 2007 ensemble drama Lions for Lambs and won the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for his performance in the television film Boy A (2007). He came to international attention in 2010 with the supporting role of Eduardo Saverin in the drama The Social Network, for which he received nominations for a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Garfield gained wider recognition for playing Spider-Man in the superhero films The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and later in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). He received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor for starring as Desmond Doss in the war film Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and as Jonathan Larson in the musical Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021). He also won a Golden Globe Award for the latter.

On stage, Garfield has starred in Broadway revivals of Death of a Salesman in 2012 and Angels in America in 2017. For the former, he received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and for the latter, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

Garfield began taking acting classes in Guildford, Surrey, when he was nine, and appeared in a youth theatre production of Bugsy Malone.^[21] He also joined a small youth theatre workshop group in Epsom and took theatre studies at A-level^[24] before studying for a further three years at a UK conservatoire, the Central School of Speech and Drama.^[29] Upon graduating in 2004, he began working primarily in stage acting. In 2004, he won a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Newcomer for his performance in Kes at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre (where he also played Romeo the year after), and won the Outstanding Newcomer Award at the 2006 Evening Standard Theatre Awards.^[11] Garfield made his British television debut in 2005 appearing in the Channel 4 teen drama Sugar Rush.^[11] In 2007, he garnered public attention when he appeared in the series three of the BBC's Doctor Who, in the episodes "Daleks in Manhattan" and "Evolution of the Daleks". Garfield commented that it was "an honour" to be a part of Doctor Who.^[30] In October 2007, he was named one of Variety's "10 Actors to Watch".^[31] He made his American film debut in November 2007, playing an American university student in the ensemble drama Lions for Lambs, with co-stars Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford.^[31] "I'm just lucky to be there working on the same project as them, although I don't really expect to be recognized later by audiences," Garfield told Variety in 2007.^[31] In his review for The Boston Globe, Wesley Morris considered Garfield's work "a willing punching bag for the movie's jabs and low blows".^[32]

In the Channel 4 drama Boy A, released in November 2007, he portrayed a notorious killer trying to find new life after prison.^[33] The role garnered him the 2008 BAFTA Award for Best Actor.^[34] Amy Biancolli of the Houston Chronicle wrote, "there is no doubt about the intelligence and sensitivity" of Garfield's portrayal.^[33] Minneapolis Star Tribune's Christy DeSmith echoed Biancolli's sentiment, citing his "detailed expressions" as an example.^[35] Writing in The Seattle Times, John Hartl noted that Garfield demonstrated range in the role, and concluded: "Garfield always manages to capture his passion".^[36] Joe Morgenstern, the critic for The Wall Street Journal, dubbed Garfield's performance "phenomenal", assessing that he "makes room for the many and various pieces of Jack's personality".^[37] In 2008, he had a minor role in the film The Other Boleyn Girl, and was named one of the Shooting Stars at the Berlin International Film Festival.^[31][38] In 2009, Garfield held supporting roles in the Terry Gilliam film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and the Red Riding television trilogy.^[39][40] Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times thought that Garfield gave a stand out performance in the latter.^[40]

In 2010, Garfield co-starred opposite Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley in Mark Romanek's dystopian science-fiction drama Never Let Me Go, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's 2005 novel of the same name. He said of his character, Tommy D., "There's a sense of anxiety that runs through these kids, especially Tommy, because he's so sensory and feeling and animalistic, that's my perspective of him."^[41] Garfield was attracted to the film based on the existential questions the story expresses.^[41] He said the experience of being a part of Never Let Me Go was "just a dream to come true".^[42] He further remarked that the scenes in which his character—unable to contain his frustration—erupts with a wail, were "intense" for him. "I think those screams are inside all of us, I just got a chance to let mine out".^[43] For his portrayal of a well-meaning, but dim young man caught in a love triangle, he won the 2010 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.^[44] Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Owen Gleiberman praised the performances of the lead cast, reflecting that "these three all act with a spooky, haunted innocence that gets under your skin."^[45] In comparison to Mulligan and Knightley, Scott Bowles, writing for USA Today, deemed Garfield "the real find" of Never Let Me Go.^[46]

The same year, Garfield co-starred opposite Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network, a drama based on the founders of Facebook. On his character, Garfield remarked, "No one knows who Eduardo Saverin is, and I don't either. Of course, the fact he's a real-life human being, breathing on this Earth somewhere, creates a whole new dimension to my approach because you [sic] feel a greater sense of responsibility".^[47] Initially, the film's director, David Fincher, had met Garfield under the auspices of him playing Mark Zuckerberg, having been referred to him by Mark Romanek.^[47] However, Fincher did not like Garfield for the part as he found Garfield's "incredible emotional access to his kind of core humanity" better tailored for the role of Saverin.^[47][48] Garfield's performance was very well received; he earned wider recognition and numerous nominations, including BAFTA nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Rising Star, as well as a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance in a Supporting Role.^[49][50] Mark Kermode of the BBC expressed his surprise that Garfield had been overlooked for an Academy Award nomination, opining that "everyone knows he's one of the very best things about The Social Network." Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Joe Morgenstern thought the role was portrayed with "great subtlety and rueful charm". Rolling Stone said Garfield delivered "a vulnerability that raises the emotional stakes in a movie", and proclaimed: "Keep your eyes on Garfield — he's shatteringly good, the soul of a film that might otherwise be without one."