I couldn't play ball. I couldn't dance. Luckily, the girls didn't want me. Not much I could do about that. So I started to draw and to write. By the time I got to where I was attracting girls, I was already into work, and it was more important to me.

Shel Silverstein

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.

Shel Silverstein

If the track is tough and the hill is rough, THINKING you can just ain't enough!

Shel Silverstein

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.

Shel Silverstein

Never explain what you do. It speaks for itself. You only muddle it by talking about it.

Shel Silverstein

To me, freedom entitles you to do something, not to not do something.

Shel Silverstein

Comfortable shoes and the freedom to leave are the two most important things in life.

Shel Silverstein

He has the obligation to society that any human being has. I don't think a satirist has any greater obligation to society than a bricklayer or anybody else.

Shel Silverstein

I know a way to stay friends forever, There's really nothing to it, I tell you what to do, And you do it.

Shel Silverstein

I'm free to leave... go wherever I please, do whatever I want; I believe everyone should live like that. Don't be dependent on anyone else - man, woman, child, or dog.

Shel Silverstein

The child asks, 'Why don't I have this happiness thing you're telling me about?'

Shel Silverstein

I want to go everywhere, look at and listen to everything. You can go crazy with some of the wonderful stuff there is in life.

Shel Silverstein

I didn't have a lot of friends. I just walked around a lot and made up stories in my head. Then I'd go home and write them down. That's how I got started.

Shel Silverstein

People are always giving you credit for really wanting to say more than you said.

Shel Silverstein

If you want to find out what a writer or a cartoonist really feels, look at his work. That's enough.

Shel Silverstein

I myself do not believe in explaining anything.

Shel Silverstein

What you've got to say, you say.

Shel Silverstein

If you're behind the times, they won't notice you. If you're right in tune with them, you're no better than they are, so they won't care much for you. Be just a little ahead of them.

Shel Silverstein

When I was younger, I wasn't making it, and I was mad at everybody who was.

Shel Silverstein

I couldn't play ball. I couldn't dance. Luckily, the girls didn't want me. Not much I could do about that. So I started to draw and to write. By the time I got to where I was attracting girls, I was already into work, and it was more important to me.

Shel Silverstein

You'd better get your laugh while you're making your point, or you won't be doing it very long.

Shel Silverstein