Jane Smiley Quotes

An actress once advised me, 'Make sure you do your own laundry - it will keep you honest.'

I would rather clean than beg.

I never took a grant or borrowed a penny from anybody. It was partially because I didn't really know how to do that, but secondly, my pride never would have allowed me to. In the beginning it was about doing it the right way, on the merits of the music.

I never was a person who wanted a handout. I was a cafeteria worker. I'm not too proud to ask the Best Western manager to give me a job. I have cleaned homes.

You can't get spoiled if you do your own ironing.

My dad was pretty old school. I've had a job since I can remember, and it's not like he was like, 'Hey, what kind of car do you want?' My first car was a '91 Ford Crown Victoria that was $1,000. And I had to buy every car after that. I had to do it all.

I am not a father who wants to give his kids everything. They have to earn it.

I've always been a workhorse, and I've been supporting myself since I was 15.

I always had to have a job in the summer when I was at school. It was about teaching me, and my brother and sisters, a good work ethic and making sure we knew there were no handouts. We had to find our own way in this world.

I don't really see myself as a socialite or as a 'child of someone.' I'd rather be working than going to fashion parties all the time.

When America's early pioneers first turned their eyes toward the West, they did not demand that somebody take care of them if they got ill or got old. They did not demand maximum pay for minimum work, and even pay for no work at all.

I come from a simple background, so I couldn't call my father and say, 'Come pay my bills,' so I had to get out there and work.

I wouldn't be where I am right now, and have the right work ethic and discipline, if it weren't for all the indie films I did. We weren't pampered and were pretty much on our own.

Growing up, I didn't have a lot and always wanted things. But I was too prideful to ask for anything; I always worked for it.

I've never gone out and courted favors. I've never gone out to be booed, either. It's just me being myself.

Roman Reigns never asked me for my help, that's not who he is.

I'd like to think my brand shares some of those characteristics we like to think of as classically American - a certain straightforwardness, honesty, a sense of humor, inclusiveness, practicality - all those great Yankee traits. And I don't mean the baseball team.

I understand the dignity that comes from work and caring for one's family.

So much of myself is consumed with earning my way, doing it myself, and never feeling like things are being handed to you. Growing up that way was humbling.

I know how to work. Not everything was given to me.

I never expected anything to be given to me.

Even when I was modelling, I never had a mom sitting on my head and a bunch of people waiting on me. I've always been independent. I'll do my thing and go.

One of the greatest boons that can ever come to a human being is to be born on a farm and reared in the country. Self-reliance and grit are oftenest country-bred.

I believe that being dependent makes you more vulnerable. I believe work is the greatest gift you will ever receive.