Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Wilson Mizner (American Playwright)

Wilson Mizner (1876–1933) was an American playwright, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and raconteur known for his colorful personality and witty remarks.

Born in Benicia, California, Mizner set on thrilling adventures at 17. He eagerly joined the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska, hoping to strike it rich as a gold prospector. Although his fortune remained elusive, his time in the wilderness introduced him to a captivating array of characters. It served as inspiration for his future writings.

Upon returning from the Klondike, Mizner ventured into the theater world. He penned several plays, including The Only Law (1909,) The Deep Purple (1910,) and The Greyhound (1912,) which garnered moderate success and earned him recognition within the theatrical community.

Beyond his prowess as a playwright, Mizner became renowned for his quick wit and sharp tongue. He became a highly sought-after raconteur and socialite, captivating audiences with his entertaining stories and humorous anecdotes. His exceptional talent for storytelling and engaging people bestowed upon him a reputation as a captivating conversationalist.

Teaming up with his brother Addison, Mizner embarked on a foray into real estate and established the infamous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, a gathering place for celebrities and industry insiders. The entrepreneurial duo also ventured into creating a new resort in Boca Raton, Florida. Their exploits even became the focus of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Road Show (alternatively known as Wise Guys, Gold!, and Bounce.)

Despite his business success, Mizner’s extravagant lifestyle, lavish spending, and gambling habits often plunged him into financial ruin. He maintained a bohemian way of life, frequently traversing between New York, California, and Europe.

Biographies include Edward Dean Sullivan’s The Fabulous Wilson Mizner (1935) and John McDonald Burke’s Rogue’s Progress: The Fabulous Adventures of Wilson Mizner (1975.)

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Wilson Mizner

The worst-tempered people I’ve ever met were people who knew they were wrong.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Temper, People, Anger

The worst tempered people I have ever met were those who knew that they were wrong.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Anger

Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing from something.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Gambling, One liners

I respect faith, but doubt is what gets you an education.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: One liners, Education, Faith, Doubt

If you steal from one author, it’s plagiarism; if you steal from many, it’s research.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Plagiarism

Popularity is exhausting. The life of the party almost always winds up in a corner with an overcoat over him.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Popularity

The gent who wakes up and finds himself a success hasn’t been asleep.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Success, Success & Failure

I hate careless flattery, the kind that exhausts you in your effort to believe it.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Compliments

I’ve spent several years in Hollywood, and I still think the movie heroes are in the audience.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Audiences

The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.
—Wilson Mizner

I’ve known countless people who were reservoirs of learning, yet never had a thought.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Thoughts, Thought, Thinking

A drama critic is a person who surprises the playwright by informing him what he meant.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Criticism, Critics

Copy from one, it’s plagiarism; copy from two, it’s research.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Plagiarism

Don’t talk about yourself; it will be done when you leave.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Ego, Egotism, Humility

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something.
—Wilson Mizner

The best way to keep your friends is not to give them away.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Friends and Friendship, Friendship

Life is a tough proposition and the first hundred years are the hardest.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Life and Living

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while, he knows something.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Listening

I can usually judge a fellow by what he laughs at.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Laughter, Judgement

Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.
—Wilson Mizner

Some of the greatest love affairs I’ve known have involved one actor-unassisted.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Acting

In the battle of existence, Talent is the punch; Tact is the clever footwork.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Talent, Battle

A fellow who is always declaring that he’s no fool, usually has his suspicions.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Foolishness, Fools

I want a priest, a rabbi, and a Protestant clergyman. I want to hedge my bets.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Death

There’s nothing so comfortable as a small bankroll. A big one is always in danger.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Wealth

Always be nice to people on the way up; because you’ll meet the same people on the way down.
—Wilson Mizner
Topics: Kindness

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