"I asked the Zebra, are you black with white stripes? Or white with black stripes? And the zebra asked me, Are you good with bad habits? Or are you bad with good habits?"
About Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein — Life and Legacy
Shel Silverstein was an influential American poet, songwriter, and children's author, renowned for his unique ability to blend humor with poignant life lessons. His most notable work, 'The Giving Tree,' explores themes of selflessness and the complexities of love, challenging readers to reflect on the nature of giving and receiving. Silverstein's quotes often reveal a deep understanding of human emotions, as seen in his assertion, 'Anything can happen, child. Anything can be,' which encourages imagination and creativity. His work frequently addresses the contradictions of life, such as in his quote, 'There are no happy endings, endings are the saddest part,' which highlights the bittersweet nature of experiences. Silverstein's playful yet insightful approach invites readers to confront serious themes with a sense of wonder and humor. Today, his quotes resonate with both children and adults, reminding us of the importance of imagination and the complexities of human relationships. His legacy endures as his words continue to inspire reflection and creativity across generations.
Quote collection
Shel Silverstein quotes (page 1 of 7)
139 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I asked the Zebra, are you black with white stripes? Or white with black stripes? And the zebra asked me, Are you good with bad habits? Or are you bad with good habits? Are you noisy with quiet times? Or are you quiet with noisy times? Are you happy with some sad days? Or are you sad with some happy days? Are you neat with some sloppy ways? Or are you sloppy with some neat ways? And on and on and on and on and on and on he went. I’ll never ask a zebra about stripes...again."
"When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavender spots?"
"I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins."
"Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."
"The Voice There is a voice inside of you That whispers all day long, "I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong." No teacher, preacher, parent, friend Or wise man can decide What's right for you--just listen to The voice that speaks inside."
"Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless. Christmas dinner's dark and blue. When you stop and try to see it From the turkey's point of view."
"There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, So just give me a happy middle And a very happy start."
"How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em."
"Never explain what you do. It speaks for itself. You only muddle it by talking about it."
"What did the carrot say to the wheat? Lettuce rest, I'm feeling beet."
"Tell me I'm clever, Tell me I'm kind, Tell me I'm talented, Tell me I'm cute, Tell me I'm sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I'm perfect - But tell me the truth."
"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."
"And all the colors I am inside have not been invented yet."
"My skin is kind of sort of brownish pinkish yellowish white. My eyes are greyish blueish green, but I'm told they look orange in the night. My hair is reddish blondish brown, but its silver when its wet, and all the colors I am inside have not been invented yet."
"But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself."
"I can be someone's and still be my own."
"Do a loony-goony dance 'Cross the kitchen floor, Put something silly in the world That ain't been there before."
"Anything is possible. Anything can be."
"A spider lives inside my head Who weaves a strange and wondrous web Of silken threads and silver strings To catch all sorts of flying things, Like crumbs of thoughts and bits of smiles And specks of dried-up tears, And dust of dreams that catch and cling For years and years and years..."