Quote... unquote

“ […] and that is what heaven is for. For understanding your life on earth.”

This quote is an excerpt from a book titled “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” written by Mitch Albom. He is a well known American writer, probably most famous for his international bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie. Besides being an author of nine books, Mitch Albom is a sportswriter, newspaper columnist, a TV commentator, and a syndicated radio host. Born in Passaic, New Jersey Albom wanted firstly to become a cartoonist, but eventually his passion turned to music. He learned, or rather taught himself to play the piano, played in several bands, however he finally discovered his talent in writing. Consequently he attained Master’s degrees in both journalism and business. In addition to writing and radio programs Mitch Albom serves on numerous charitable boards, especially in Michigan where he lives.

"All human beings should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why."

James Grover Thurber was an American novelist, satirist, and cartoonist. The above quote shows that he used humor and wit to show how American mentality works. It always amused him how many paradoxes were in almost every line of thinking of an average American. He wrote and drew for the New Yorker, the Columbus Dispatch, the Chicago Tribune, and many other newspapers. Mr. Thurber is most famous for his well-known short story titled “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” He was married twice, had a child named Rosemary, and died due to a stroke he had suffered at the age of 66. To conclude his fascinating personality I would like to use his final words: "God bless…God damn.”

"Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive."

This witty quote, which can be said to have a double meaning, has been once said by an American writer, philosopher, artist and publisher named Elbert Hubbard. He is well known for his many intriguing quotes and books. Mr. Hubbard began with selling soap, went through secretly written novels, established the Roycroft Printing Shop, and died gloriously with his wife aboard Lusitania. Dying together with his wife atop the torpedoed ship was an end, which this celebrated writer must have definitely found satisfying. Elbert Hubbard is most remembered for his cycle of 180 biographies of significant literary figures called "Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great."

Marta Mentel