The 11 Best Pieces of Advice that Dr. Seuss Gave Us

This month, schools and libraries around the world are marking the birthday of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Although he died in 1991, he continues to be one of the most influential children’s authors of all time. Having published over 60 books between 1931 and 1990—and several more posthumously—he was instrumental in teaching generations of children to read, rhyme and imagine.

Although many of his books are meant for the youngest of readers, he also tackled some very serious subjects, such as environmental degradation, abuse of power and ethical dilemmas.

So while many educators are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday with readings and green-eggs-and-ham parties, Envision invites you to embrace your inner child by considering some of the excellent life lessons that Dr. Seuss provided through his books.

See how many of these you remember:       

• Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

–      The Lorax

• Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

–      Oh, the Places You’ll Go

• Keep your eyelids up and see what you can see.

–      And To Think I saw it on Mulberry Street

• It is fun to have fun but you have to know how.

–      The Cat in the Hat

• You do not like them. So you say. Try them! Try them! And you may. Try them and you may I say.

–      Green Eggs and Ham

• Don’t give up! I believe in you all! A person’s a person, no matter how small!

–      Horton Hears a Who

• Oh the sea is so full of a number of fish, if a fellow is patient he might get his wish.

–      McElligot’s Pool

• Maybe there was something magic in those simple words “I’m sorry.” Maybe there was something magic in those simple words “It’s all my fault.”

–      Bartholomew and the Oobleck

• We’ve got to make noises in greater amounts! So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!

–      Horton Hears a Who

• A host has to put up with all kinds of pests, for a host, above all, must be nice to his guests.

–      Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose

• So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact, and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.

–      Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Editor's note: This is a revised post an originally published article on March 4, 2014.