Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by James Whitcomb Riley (American Children’s Books Writer)

James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916) was an American poet called the ‘People’s Laureate’ or the ‘Hoosier Poet.’ He gained fame for his books that frequently employed nostalgic Hoosier dialect, infused with a superficial sentimentality, whimsical kindness, and a cheerful philosophy, often accompanied by a touch of poignant emotion.

Born in Greenfield, Indiana, Riley’s early life included experiences as an itinerant sign painter, entertainer, and assistant to patent-medicine vendors. These endeavors provided him with opportunities to compose songs and dramatic skits, refine his acting skills, and connect closely with the rural communities of Indiana.

Riley initially gained recognition for a series of poems written in the Hoosier dialect, attributed to a fictional farmer named Benj. F. Johnson from Boone. These poems beautifully captured the essence of rural life in the Midwest, celebrating the ordinary experiences of familiar people. They were first published in the Indianapolis Daily Journal and later compiled into the book The Old Swimmin’-Hole and ‘Leven More Poems (1883.) Although Riley briefly served as the local editor of the Anderson Democrat, he spent most of his later life in Indianapolis.

Among Riley’s numerous volumes of verse, notable works include Pipes o’Pan at Zekesbury (1888,) Old-Fashioned Roses (1888,) The Flying Islands of the Night (1891,) A Child-World (1896,) and Home Folks (1900.) His most well-known poems include ‘When the Frost Is on the Punkin,’ ‘Little Orphant Annie,’ ‘The Raggedy Man,’ and ‘An Old Sweetheart of Mine.’ His poems were later collected in the ten-volume set Complete Works (1916.) Riley also wrote children’s stories and essays.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by James Whitcomb Riley

And he shall reign a goodly king And sway his hand o’er every clime With peace writ on his signet ring, Who bides his time.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Patience, Resilience

Why, rain’s my choice.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Acceptance

It is no use to grumble and complain; It is no use to grumble and complain;
It’s just as cheap and easy to rejoice;
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain –
Why, rain’s my choice.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Acceptance, Attitude, Complaining

O, it sets my heart a clickin’ like the tickin’ of a clock, when the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Autumn

Who bides his time—he tastes the sweet
Of honey in the saltiest tear;
And though he fares with slowest feet.
Joy runs to meet him drawing near.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Difficulty

When you awaken some morning and hear that somebody or other has been discovered, you can put it down as a fact that he discovered himself years ago- since which time he has been working, toiling and striving to make himself worthy of general discovery.
—James Whitcomb Riley

It doesn’t pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke. For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke, Let the other fellow wrangle till the storm has blown away, then he’ll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn’t say.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Anger

The most essential factor is persistence—the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Perseverance, Persistence

To make the world a friendly place, one must show it a friendly face.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Health, Positive Attitudes, Optimism

Continuous, unflagging effort, persistence and determination will win. Let not the man be discouraged who has these.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Persistence, Perseverance

Just a wee cot—the cricket’s chirr—love and the smiling face of her.
—James Whitcomb Riley
Topics: Home

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