The Wisdom Of Dr. Seuss

A couple weeks back was Dr. Seuss’s birthday and in many elementary schools (including mine), the whole beginning of March is marked by reading-related celebrations. Here are some passages from my favorite Dr. Seuss books:

 

The Lorax

 

“UNLESS someone like you

cares a whole awful lot,

nothing is going to get better.

It’s not.”

 

I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew

 

The beginning:

“Now, I never had ever had

Troubles before.

So I said to myself,

‘I don’t want any more.

If I watch out for rocks

With my eyes straight ahead,

I’ll keep out of trouble

Forever,’ I said…

And I learned there are troubles

Of more than one kind.

Some come from ahead

And some come from behind.”

 

The end:

“I’ll always have troubles.

I’ll, maybe, get bit

By that Green-Headed Quail

On the place where I sit.

But I’ve bought a big bat.

I’m all ready, you see.

Now my troubles are going

To have troubles with me!”

 

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! 

 

“You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.”

 

“You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care.

About some you will say, “’I don’t choose to go there.'”

 

“And when things start to happen,

don’t worry. Don’t stew.

Just go right along.

You’ll start happening too.”

 

“The Waiting Place…

…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go

or a bus to come, or a plane to go

or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow

or waiting around for a Yes or No…

NO!

That’s not for you!

Somehow you’ll escape

all that waiting and staying.

You’ll find the bright places

where Boom Bands are playing.”

 

“And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance

you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.

There are some, down the road between hither and yon,

that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go

though the weather be foul.

On you will go

though your enemies prowl…

Onward up many a frightening creek,

though your arms may get sore

and your sneakers may leak.”

 

“So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life’s

a Great Balancing Act.”

 

“Your mountain is waiting,

so…get on your way!”

 

I hope you enjoyed! Do you have a favorite Dr. Seuss book or quote?

 

(Image from Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

2 Comments

  1. rosesarered

    I just discovered this blog and can’t stop reading!

    I love these –
    “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

    “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

    “How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”

    “I said I do not fear these pants, with nobody inside them. I said, and said, and said those words. I said them, but I lied them.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to Top