Alfred A. Montapert

Here’s a biographical and thematic overview of Alfred A. Montapert, along with some of his memorable quotations and lessons. (Note: Montapert is not as well documented as many “classic” authors; much of what is known comes from secondary sources, quotation collections, and his published works.)

Biography

• Full name: Alfred Armand Montapert

• Lifespan: Born July 15, 1906 (some sources) – died 1997 (per genealogical records)

• Nationality / profession: American author, philosopher, motivational / practical philosophy writer

• Personal life: He was married to Evelyn Beatrice Worth (1907–2001).

Little is publicly documented about his early life, education, or non-writing career, and many details are derived from quotation sites and book listings.

Writings & Themes

Montapert’s works tend toward self-improvement, practical philosophy, and ethical maxims. He wrote a number of books that gather his reflections or organize them into “laws of life” or “wisdom” collections.

Some of his better-known titles include:

• Supreme Philosophy of Man: The Laws of Life

• Distilled Wisdom

• The Way to Happiness: The Eternal Quest of Mankind

• Inspiration & Motivation

• Pray to Win

His style is characterized by short, punchy, declarative statements or “laws,” meant to be easily remembered and applied.

In some accounts, he is described not merely as an inspirational writer but also as an engineer or someone with technical background; for example, some sources say he studied electrical engineering, ran an elevator business, etc.

Key Ideas & Philosophical Emphasis

From his writings and quotations, some recurring emphases include:

• Agency, choice, and responsibility: He often frames life as built on decisions, character, and habit.

• Clarity, simplicity, and utilitarian wisdom: His statements aim for directness rather than abstraction.

• Ethical norms and natural or universal “laws”: He sometimes frames his ideas as “Natural Laws” or “Laws of Life.”

• Optimism, resilience, and constructive mindset: Several of his lines advise expecting obstacles, acting purposefully, and not being derailed by negative emotion.

• Interplay of belief / conviction with stability in life: He asserts that stable beliefs form foundations for stable life.

Selected Famous Quotes

Here are several widely attributed quotes by Montapert, reflecting his tone and approach:

• “Your life will be no better than the plans you make and the action you take. You are the architect and builder of your own life, fortune, destiny.”

• “Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.”

• “Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.”

• “All lasting business is built on friendship.”

• “Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

• “Every time you get angry, you poison your own system.”

• “If you don’t have solid beliefs you cannot build a stable life. Beliefs are like the foundation of a building, and they are the foundation to build your life upon.”

Because many of these are circulating in quotation databases, one should be cautious about attribution and textual variants.

Lessons from Alfred A. Montapert

1. Live with intention
   Montapert’s writing suggests that life’s direction depends less on chance and more on deliberate choice, conviction, and consistent action.

2. Distinguish activity from progress
   His metaphor of the rocking horse warns against confusing busyness with meaningful forward movement.

3. Use adversity as input, not excuse
   He encourages expecting obstacles, and meeting them rather than being derailed, which aligns with resilient mindset traditions.

4. Cultivate fundamental beliefs / foundation
   He treats beliefs not as optional but as foundational to a stable and meaningful life.

5. Value relationships and kindness
   His emphasis on friendship, reliability, and loyalty points to the relational dimension of success and fulfillment.