Robert Frost

Poet

Modern influential 108 sayings

Sayings by Robert Frost

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not.

N/A — Attributed, humorous and somewhat cynical advice.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a person who believes in any kind of afterlife. I'm a person who believes in this life.

N/A — Attributed, reinforcing his focus on the present and earthly existence.
Controversial Unverifiable

It takes all sorts of in and outdoor schooling To get the knowledge I'm not using now.

1942 — Poem: 'The Lesson for Today'
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a writer of the people, for the people, and by the people.

c. 1950s — Attributed, a play on Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, emphasizing his populist appeal.
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way out is through.

Unknown — Often attributed to him, though specific source is debated, commonly linked to his stoicism.
Humorous Unverifiable

I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

1916 — From 'The Road Not Taken'
Humorous Unverifiable

The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.

Unknown — Often attributed to him, sometimes to others. Common anecdotal quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

You come too. My long scythe whispered and left the hay to make. You come too.

1906 — From 'The Tuft of Flowers'
Humorous Unverifiable

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.

1959 — Interview with The New York Times
Humorous Unverifiable

The figure a poem makes. It begins in delight and ends in wisdom. The figure is the same as for love.

1939 — From 'The Figure a Poem Makes'
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a living man. I have lived to be 86 years old. I have had a great deal of sorrow. I have had a great deal of joy. I have had a great deal of love.

1960 — Remarks at his 86th birthday dinner
Humorous Unverifiable

A poem is never a put-up job.

1939 — From 'The Figure a Poem Makes'
Humorous Unverifiable

Forgive me, but I'm going to be as rude as a poet has to be.

c. 1950s — Remarks at a public reading
Humorous Unverifiable

Thinking is not to be done by proxy.

c. 1930s — Quoted in 'Robert Frost: A Biography' by Lawrance Thompson
Humorous Unverifiable

My object in living is to unite My avocation and my vocation As my two eyes make one in sight.

1934 — From 'Two Tramps in Mud Time'
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest thing an education can give a man is the ability to think for himself.

c. 1940s — Interview, various sources
Humorous Unverifiable

I may not be a great poet, but I'm a hell of a good farmer.

Unknown — Anecdotal, often quoted by biographers.
Humorous Unverifiable

If you don't know what you want, you won't get it.

c. 1930s — Quoted in 'Robert Frost: A Life' by Jay Parini
Humorous Unverifiable

The most important thing is to be yourself.

c. 1950s — Interview, various sources
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a nature poet. I have written two poems with nature in them.

c. 1950s — Interview, often quoted to counter his perceived image.
Humorous Unverifiable