All I Really Needed to Know I Learned from Will Rogers

By Connie Connely

2 min read

Years ago, I was watching the television show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The question came up, "Who said, 'I never met a man I didn't like?'" The contestant shook his head and said, "I don't think it was Will Rogers." I could almost hear the folks in my home state of Oklahoma yelling, "Of course, it's Will Rogers!"

Remembering Will Rogers

Will Rogers (November 4, 1879 - August 15, 1935) was an American stage actor, film actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humorist, and newspaper columnist. He claimed Claremore, Oklahoma, as his hometown. He was born in nearby Oologah, Oklahoma, but Will knew reporters couldn't spell that.

I am a proud graduate of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I attended in the 1970s when the building housed grades 10th, 11th, and 12th. "Don't look at all the photos of Will Rogers on the walls in the hallway. They'll know you're a sophomore if you do!" my friend's older sister warned us. I would sneak a peek now and then while I was a student for three years.

I have always loved the heritage of Will Rogers and enjoyed reading his quotes. The man died in 1935, but his words ring true today. How can his words of wisdom help me through my journey with blood cancer?

Quotes from Will Rogers

"If you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing." I get it. Learn your craft and keep improving, so you can find joy in what you're doing.

"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." If your parrot says nice things, then no worries. Here's the transparency we talk about today.

"Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due." I know worrying about my cancer won't make it go away. Instead of worrying, I need to pray.

"Even though you are on the right track -- you will get run over if you just sit there." I think this means I need to keep reading, learning, planning, writing, and doing! Most of all, never give up!

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment." He also said, "The man who never makes a mistake must get tired of doing nothing." That's right. Failure is not trying.

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." We should enjoy our memories, but don't try to live in the past or dwell on past mistakes.

"The best way out of a difficulty is through it." I know. Sometimes we have to live through challenges to make us stronger.

"The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you if you don't let it get the best of you." I can't imagine thinking cancer was the best thing for me, but I am trying to make the best of my situation.

For more information about Will Rogers, check out WillRogers.com.

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Daniel Malito Moderator
<inline-mention user-id="3639405" username="Connie Connely"/> I remember them collecting before movies for the Will Rogers institute. I think it's the same person, if my rusty old memory serves. A lot of good sayings that man had, and many of them can be applied to cancer! Thanks for sharing, keep on keepin' on, DPM
1. Connie Connely Contributor
 I remember too. You are correct. Their mission: "To perpetuate the memory of Will Rogers by promoting and funding medical research of cardiopulmonary diseases, purchasing neonatal ventilator equipment for medical facilities across the country, and by educating the general public on topics of health and fitness."
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3639405" username="Connie Connely"/> I love this post. Yes life happens, but it's what we take from it that makes us stronger. Worrying will weaken us, in many ways and, as you said, “Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.”. Thanks for sharing. It's always good to get a reminder of what we know we should do.
1. Connie Connely Contributor
 Thank you for reading and commenting.
Dennis Golden Moderator
It is amazing how much wisdom can be found when straight thinking folks honestly say what is on their mind. Folks like Will Rogers learned long ago that common sense is a very rare commodity
Connie Connely Contributor
Very true!
Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3639405" username="Connie Connely"/> A lot of these do relate to a blood cancer journey. I think I like, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” Good advice. Dwelling on the past, past wrongs, etc. drains our souls. And “The best way out of a difficulty is through it," sums up what we're going through too.
1. Connie Connely Contributor
 Yes, Will Rogers gave good advice. He would do his rope tricks and people were impressed, but his act really took off when he started making comments about their world as he did his rope tricks. He made people laugh or nod in agreement.