In his darkly humorous writing style, author Kurt Vonnegut excelled at using satire to make a statement. Novels such as "Cat's Cradle" and "Slaughterhouse-Five" served as unabashed critiques of technology and war, though Vonnegut's honesty also extended to more lighthearted matters. This quote — which appeared in his 2005 memoir "A Man Without a Country" — encourages artistic creativity as a means to make "life more bearable." While acknowledging that life is often difficult, Vonnegut argues that artistic pursuits — the process, not simply the products — offer vital catharsis and gratification. Whether singing in the shower or writing a poem, the act of creating something original can enrich the soul and provide a deep sense of reward.

Possessing an unparalleled humility, legendary college basketball coach John Wooden used his patented "Pyramid of Success" to give his young, impressionable players the tools to succeed at both basketball and life. Wooden turned a fledgling UCLA athletics program into a powerhouse that won 10 NCAA national titles, and all the while he maintained that true success wasn't based on accolades, but rather on being your best self. This quote speaks to Wooden's ideology; he lived life by what he called a "Seven Point Creed," which shunned egoism and prioritized helping others. It's a reminder that the greatest reward isn't necessarily wealth or fame, but being there for others, regardless of whether you receive anything in return.

In Charles Dickens’ classic 1861 novel “Great Expectations,” the author employs the kind and simple blacksmith, Joe, to deliver this bittersweet bit of wisdom. As he parts ways with Pip, the story’s protagonist, Joe remarks that it is merely the nature of life to have to say goodbye to the people, places, and experiences we have loved. It’s rarely easy, but we can take comfort knowing that at the end of each parting is a brand new beginning.