Shel Silverstein, a man of many talents including poet, cartoonist, songwriter, and author, wears many hats. His beloved works, such as “The Giving Tree,” “A Light in the Attic,” and “Falling Up,” have captured the affection of both children and adults. Quotes from Shel Silverstein stir up warm, nostalgic feelings.
Quotes by Shel Silverstein that Celebrate Life
Inspiring Quotes from Shel Silverstein
1. “Tough tracks and rough hills need more than just thinking you can—it’s not quite enough!” – Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
2. “If the book you want to read doesn’t exist yet, be the one to write it.” – Shel Silverstein, “Roger Was a Razor Fish, and Other Poems”
3. “Drying dishes can be such a dreadful bore. But if you drop one on the floor, maybe that’s the last time you’ll do that chore!” – Shel Silverstein, “A Light in the Attic”
4. “The realm of possibility is boundless. Everything is achievable.” – Shel Silverstein
5. “All dreamers are welcome here.” – Shel Silverstein
6. “The only magic I’ve known, I’ve had to create on my own.” – Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
Quotes from Shel Silverstein Overflowing with Wisdom
7. “Child, listen to all the naysayers and the impossible. Then come close and listen to me. Anything can happen, anything indeed.” – Shel Silverstein
8. “Life’s richness depends on how you make it—how loudly you close doors, how thin you slice bread, how you spend your days, and how much you give to friends.” – Shel Silverstein
9. “Not everything is all-encompassing.” – Shel Silverstein, “Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back”
10. “Tell me sweet nothings—cleverness, kindness, talent, cuteness, wisdom, perfection. But most importantly, tell me the truth.” – Shel Silverstein
11. “Your actions speak for themselves; explaining only complicates them.” – Shel Silverstein
12. “True freedom means having the opportunity to act, not the choice to refrain.” – Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein on Life’s Journey and Conclusions
13. “BE EARLY BIRD, catch the worm for breakfast. If you’re a worm, though, feel free to sleep in!” – Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
14. “Happy middles, joyful beginnings, because endings can be so melancholy.” – Shel Silverstein, “Everything on It”
15. “Real life has its fair share of sad endings. Not all my work has to be humorous despite what it seems.” – Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein Reflecting on Love and Friendship
16. “She loved a boy more than she loved herself.” – Shel Silverstein, “The Giving Tree”
17. “Staying friends forever is simple; you do what I suggest.” – Shel Silverstein
18. “I’m all in for the love we have today.” – Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
19. “Holding hands is too visible. Why not hold toes instead?” – Shel Silverstein, “Everything on It”
Philosophical Insights from Shel Silverstein
20. “He was unsure of his destination but knew he had to go somewhere, right?” – Shel Silverstein, “Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back”
21. “Laughing at the Upside-Down Man might not be right, for in another reality, perhaps it’s me who’s upside down.” – Shel Silverstein
22. “I used to chat with caterpillars and laugh at starling’s whispers, understanding every language spoken by flowers and insects.” – Shel Silverstein
23. “Rejoice! I’ve found my missing piece. Time to celebrate!” – Shel Silverstein
24. “He spent his wishes just wishing away.” – Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
More Memorable Quotes by Shel Silverstein
25. “There was a tree that deeply loved a young boy.” – Shel Silverstein, “The Giving Tree”
26. “Life’s mysteries hang in the balance under a blue-light with orange and lavender spots.” – Shel Silverstein, “A Light in the Attic”
27. “The bridge takes you halfway to your dreamlands, but you’ll navigate the final stretch alone.” – Shel Silverstein
28. “The baby bat cried out in fear of the light, ‘Please turn on the dark!’” – Shel Silverstein
29. “And the tree found joy.” – Shel Silverstein, “The Giving Tree”
30. “I am filled with colors yet unnamed.” – Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
31. “A stand-up comic’s humor lies more in commentary than visual gags.” – Shel Silverstein
32. “I can’t see you as you turn these pages, but your laughter from afar brings me joy.” – Shel Silverstein
33. “A satirist has no greater duty to society than anyone else, the same goes for a bricklayer.” – Shel Silverstein
In Conclusion
Shel Silverstein’s straight-shooting approach to life and art remains impactful long after his passing. His quotes have the power to provoke thought and imagination—perfect for a reflective afternoon.
