Jack Gilbert Quotes

Let us never yield to pessimism, to that bitterness that the devil offers us every day.

Great hope has no real footing unless one is willing to face into the doom that may also be on the way. p.207

To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.

Be strong! Don't talk of ghosts and devils.

Suffering is the pain of constraints. An atom of pure delight, no matter how small, can hold it at bay.

Make happiness a habit. Be so happy you drive the devil stark-raving mad.

Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.

It's hard to dance with a devil on your back, So shake him off...

Being sorry for myself is a luxury I can't afford.

I am living on hope and faith ... a pretty good diet when the mind will receive them.

The conquering of adversity produces strength of character, forges self-confidence, engenders self-respect, and assures success in righteous endeavor.

It's very important to remain optimistic and to see the silver lining in everything you do. Because no matter how sometimes things look difficult, and look like there is no hope, there is always a small glimmering of silver lining that is in everything, and I always look for that, and hang on that, and before I know it, another day comes and is gone.

Always persevere, always have a great perspective, and always have great purpose in your life

Only by our positive thinking, by our bringing the positive qualities of others to the fore, will this world be able to make progress.

We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.

In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.

You have to believe in yourself before the world has given you any indication that you should believe in yourself as a writer.

When I choose to smile I become the master of my emotions.

You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

Cushion the painful effects of hard blows by keeping the enthusiasm going strong, even if doing so requires struggle.

A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course of victory.

My belief is stronger than your doubt.

Although others may feel sorry for you, never feel sorry for yourself: it has a deadly effect on spiritual well-being. Recognize all problems, no matter how difficult, as opportunities for spiritual growth, and make the most of these opportunities.

If you try to win, you might lose, but if you don't try to win, you lose for sure!

Today is the day you have to start believing in yourself. No one can do it for you anymore.