Booth Tarkington, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, had a way with words that still resonates today. His quotes capture life’s humor, struggles, and truths in a way that feels timeless. Whether you’re looking for wisdom, wit, or a fresh perspective, Tarkington’s words deliver. Here are some of his best quotes, organized by theme.
Life and Wisdom
Tarkington’s observations on life are sharp and often funny. He had a knack for pointing out the obvious in ways we’d never considered.
🔹 “There are two things that will be believed of any man whatsoever, and one of them is that he has taken to drink.”
🔹 “The only good in pretending is the fun we get out of fooling ourselves.”
🔹 “An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.”
🔹 “Beauty is altogether in the eye of the beholder.”
Ever noticed how people assume the worst? Or how we convince ourselves of things just for fun? Tarkington did.
Love and Relationships
His take on love wasn’t overly romantic—just real.
🔹 “Love is a thing that can never go wrong; it is the application of it that does that.”
🔹 “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately, it kills all its pupils.”
🔹 “The worst thing about being lied to is knowing you weren’t worth the truth.”
Love isn’t the problem—it’s how we handle it. And time? Well, it’s undefeated.
Success and Ambition
Tarkington knew success wasn’t just about talent.
🔹 “The successful people are the ones who can think up things for the rest of the world to keep busy at.”
🔹 “There are two kinds of people who never amount to much: those who cannot do what they are told and those who can do nothing else.”
🔹 “The only way to entertain some folks is to listen to them.”
Success isn’t just hard work—it’s knowing how to stand out.
Humor and Irony
His humor was dry and always on point.
🔹 “A man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he isn’t half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep.”
🔹 “The only good thing about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.”
🔹 “People are born into this little world of theirs, and they think it’s the whole universe—and they’re the center of it.”
Ever met someone who takes themselves too seriously? Tarkington would’ve had a field day.
Society and Human Nature
He saw through people’s facades effortlessly.
🔹 “The worst thing about new wealth is the new poor it creates.”
🔹 “People who are always praising the past and condemning the present are usually those who’d be useless in any era.”
🔹 “The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.”
Sound familiar? Some things never change.
Writing and Creativity
As a writer, Tarkington knew the craft inside out.
🔹 “The most beautiful things in life are not just things—they’re the moments we try (and fail) to put into words.”
🔹 “A good story should make you laugh, then make you think—preferably in that order.”
🔹 “The difference between reality and fiction? Fiction has to make sense.”
Writers know the struggle. Reality is messy; stories have to be tighter.
Final Thoughts
Booth Tarkington’s quotes are like little life lessons wrapped in wit. They make you laugh, nod, and sometimes pause. Whether it’s love, success, or human nature, his words hit home.
Which quote stuck with you the most? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
📌 Want more timeless wisdom? Check out our other quote collections for inspiration. 🚀