Tavis Smiley Quotes

Sometimes people take it for granted that they had success, especially nowadays when you have instant stardom. A lot of people feel entitlement and nobody is entitled to anything.

It's hard for me to listen to any actors whine or moan about anything acting-related because look at the world. We really have nothing to complain about. Just to be working is a blessing.

Little Zac had it easy - but he didn't realize he had it easy, so he took it for granted. I think going through 'Hairspray' and other projects helped me learn about the business and life in general.

I like to work. I'm glad; I'm privileged to have work.

My greatest regret would be that I took my success for granted, because it was given to me at such a young age.

I don't understand actors who complain when they get work. 'I'm working too much. I've got to get up too early ...' Isn't this the point? There's somebody right now who's bussing tables who would love your problems.

I think that my humble beginnings were very deliberate, and I'm grateful for them because I'm not sure I would see my achievements the same way if they were handed to me. I'm not sure my work ethic would be the same.

When I grew up, I had everything you could ask for, and I kind of didn't appreciate it. Because it was a given for me. Everybody that grew up in my neighborhood was going to have an opportunity to go to college. I took that for granted. I always regret that.

A lot of people who are born here don't appreciate the freedoms we have, the opportunities we have, because they've never had it any other way.

I know I am extraordinarily lucky to be doing what I am doing. I have worked hard along the way and I have been blessed too. I have had a great life.

We weren't treated as prima-donnas. We had to roll up our sleeves and graft with the groundsman. Kids don't have to do anymore. That makes you appreciate things when it turns in your favour and you become a successful professional.

Let us realize that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is success!

Of life's two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer's hand.

If you're lucky enough to be raised in a rich family, good. But learn how to respect that luck. It's not a given, you know? It's not like, 'Well, it's normal'. No, it's not normal. It's lucky.

I've been so lucky to work with such great people: people that are such hard workers and have such a respect and appreciation for one another.

When you get as lucky as I got, you have to work as hard as possible to earn that luck.

I don't want to let my guard down and feel too comfortable. If you become complacent, you start feeling entitled. I'm ready to go dig ditches if I have to. Whatever I gotta do to provide for my family. Whatever I gotta do to make sure that I do the best possible job at whatever wonderful opportunities I've been handed.

When you have to do all the more crappy jobs before, you appreciate all the good work that comes out of that. There are many girls who immediately have a top model career, and there are lots of models who are doing things that aren't as exciting as doing big campaigns and beautiful magazines.

I'm very happy I get to keep working - it's an insanely fortunate thing.

It's funny - when I first started as an actor, obviously there were long periods of being idle and all you want to do is work. So if I ever get the compulsion to feel like I should complain or feel like I want to take a break, I just remember how I was before and be very grateful for it.

People who have what they want are fond of telling people who haven't what they want that they really don't want it.

I feel like sometimes people on television shows can start taking things for granted, or they don't want to be here or something like that.

When I do a job, I do it 100 percent. I am so grateful for the chance to do what I do.

I've had an unbelievable life. I've been very lucky. You do create your own luck too, you know? I never forget where I'm from. Whenever I pass a building site or see somebody digging a ditch, I always think, 'That's real work.'

I guess the most important thing for us is that the kids work hard and they are grateful for the life they lead - that they know it doesn't come easy.