live - quotes

Henry James, 1843-1916

was a British (US -born) author

Live all you can — it's a mistake not to. It doesn't so much matter what you do in particular, so long as you have your life. If you haven't had that, what have you had?

( “The Ambassadors”, 1903 )

John (Ernst) Steinbeck, 1902-1968

was an US novelist

After the bare requisites of living and reproducing, man wants most to leave some record of himself, a proof, perhaps, that he has really existed. He leaves his proof on wood, on stone, or on the lives of other people. This deep desire exists in everyone, from the boy who scribbles on a wall to the Buddha who etches his image in the race mind. Life is so unreal. I think that we seriously doubt that we exist and go about trying to prove that we do.

( “The Pastures of Heaven”, p 56, 1932 )

Oscar (Fingall O'Flahertie Wills) Wilde, 1854-1900

was an Irish dramatist, novelist, and poet

Live the wonderful life that is in you.

( “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, 1891 )

Jonathan Swift, 1667-1745

was an Irish essayist, novelist, and satirist

May you live all the days of your life.

Emily (Elizabeth) Dickinson, 1830-1886

was an US poet

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.