Damon Runyon Quotes

• Life is tough, and it's really tough when you're stupid.

  Damon Runyon

  Stupid, Tough, Life Is

  27 Copy quote

• The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet.

  Damon Runyon

  Funny, Happiness, Success

  More Than Somewhat (1937). This quotation is associated with Runyon, but the Chicago Tribune, 10 May 1936, printed the following: "'The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that is the way to bet,' as Hugh Keough used to say." Keough was a Chicago journalist.

  58 Copy quote

• She has a laugh so hearty it knocks the whipped cream off an order of strawberry shortcake on a table fifty feet away.

  Damon Runyon

  Art, Order, Feet

  Damon Runyon (1981). “The bloodhounds of Broadway and other stories”, William Morrow & Company

  59 Copy quote

• I came to the conclusion long ago that all life is six to five against.

  Damon Runyon

  Life, Gambling, Long Ago

  28 Copy quote

• He who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted.

  Damon Runyon

  Horns

  11 Copy quote

• If I have all the tears that are shed on Broadway by guys in love, I will have enough salt water to start an opposition ocean to the Atlantic and Pacific, with enough left over to run the Great Salt Lake out of business. But I wish to say I never shed any of these tears personally, because I am never in love, and furthermore, barring a bad break, I never expect to be in love, for the way I look at it love is strictly the old phedinkus, and I tell the little guy as much.

  Damon Runyon

  Running, Ocean, Love Is

  Damon Runyon (2008). “Guys and Dolls and Other Writings”, p.216, Penguin

  24 Copy quote

• I'm inspired by love, by the moments that we commit to something with all our heart - be it a person, a project, an animal, anything really. It's undeniably inspiring, that acknowledgment of existence, that I love, that I care. That fills me with purpose.

  Damon Runyon

  Heart, Animal, Purpose

  15 Copy quote

• You can keep the things of bronze and stone and give me one man to remember me just once a year.

  Damon Runyon

  Men, Years, Giving

  1946 Last words.

  21 Copy quote

• Always try to rub up against money, for if you rub up against money long enough, some of it may rub off on you.

  Damon Runyon

  Money, Long, Trying

  A Very Honorable Guy" (1929)

  9 Copy quote

• I've failed so many times in my life that my recovery time has improved. I'm better at redirecting my attention. I've trained in Radical Aliveness and Core Energetics over the past couple of years and that has allowed me to see how much we project our failures onto others. It has taught me to accept myself. There is real power in owning your truth.

  Damon Runyon

  Couple, Real, Recovery

  11 Copy quote

• In my opinion turkey is the most over-rated critter for eating purposes in kingdom come but the most striking example we have of the power of propaganda.

  Damon Runyon

  Power, Turkeys, Example

  Damon Runyon (1946). “Short Takes: Readers' Choice of the Best Columns of America's Favorite Newspaperman, Damon Runyon”

  12 Copy quote

• Failure is always present as an actor. I make my living by taking chances. If I'm not risking something, then I'm not doing my job, so I'm constantly failing. In fact, I'm trying to fail bigger. I try to focus on the positive, the moment, and try to realize where I'm at in an attempt to understand the failure.

  Damon Runyon

  Jobs, Focus, Trying

  4 Copy quote

• I once knew a chap who had a system of just hanging the baby on the clothes line to dry and he was greatly admired by his fellow citizens for having discovered a wonderful innovation on changing a diaper.

  Damon Runyon

  Baby, Clothes, Innovation

  11 Copy quote

• A free-loader is a confirmed guest. He is the man who is always willing to come to dinner.

  Damon Runyon

  Men, Guests, Dinner

  Damon Runyon (1946). “Short Takes: Readers' Choice of the Best Columns of America's Favorite Newspaperman, Damon Runyon”

  4 Copy quote

• In all the history of the boxing game, you'll find no human interest story to compare with the life narrative of James J. Braddock.

  Damon Runyon

  Games, Boxing, Stories

  11 Copy quote

• He [Will Rogers] was America's most complete human document. One-third humor. One-third humanitarian. One-third heart.

  Damon Runyon

  Heart, America, Roger

  9 Copy quote

• Growing up in that fashion is a breeding ground for insecurity and doubt; it also leaves you questioning motives. It took me a long time to see the world as I want it without constantly looking for approval. I still fall, but I'm better suited for survival.

  Damon Runyon

  Fashion, Growing Up, Fall

  7 Copy quote

• he hardest obstacle for me has been to find a father. I am the product of three fathers, and my connection to each of them has left me wanting. Each have their own strengths and weaknesses, but I've always been in competition with them in some way.

  Damon Runyon

  Father, Competition, Weakness

  10 Copy quote

• Damon Runyon. A day-coach boy in a parlor car seat.

  Damon Runyon

  Success, Boys, Car

  7 Copy quote

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