William Arthur Ward

William Arthur Ward – Life, Work, and Memorable Quotes

Discover the life and legacy of American writer William Arthur Ward (1921–1994): his writings, philosophy, and a collection of his most inspirational quotes.

Introduction

William Arthur Ward (December 17, 1921 – March 30, 1994) was an American motivational writer, educator, and public relations professional. He is best known for his prolific output of short, uplifting epigrams and “sayings” — over 4,000 are attributed to him — many of which appeared in Reader’s Digest, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and in inspirational books and posters.

Ward’s writing is characterized by its positive tone, moral earnestness, and emphasis on personal growth, gratitude, service, and optimism. Though he is not typically known for long essays or novels, his concise reflections have found enduring popularity in speeches, cards, and daily meditations.

Early Life and Education

William Arthur Ward was born in Oakdale, Louisiana, on December 17, 1921. United States Army in the Philippines during World War II, he pursued higher education.

He graduated from McMurry College in 1948. Oklahoma State University in 1949.

In recognition of his literary contributions and service, he was awarded an honorary degree from Oklahoma City University in 1962.

Career and Achievements

Writing & Publications

Ward’s literary output focused on short motivational works, meditations, and epigrams rather than long treatises. His writings appeared in magazines such as Reader’s Digest, The Phi Delta Kappan, Science of Mind, and various Christian publications.

He also wrote a regular column titled “Pertinent Proverbs” for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and contributed to service club publications.

His epigrams were collected into books such as:

• Thoughts of a Christian Optimist

• Fountains of Faith

• Up Words (collection)

• Reward Yourself!

• Think It Over

Ward’s short sayings became popular in inspirational posters, greeting cards, calendars, and plaques.

Professional Roles & Service

From 1949 to 1955, Ward served as director of public relations for the Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, Texas. assistant to the president of Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth. He remained in that role for about 25 years, retiring early in 1979, but later returned in a semi-retired capacity from 1985 onward.

Ward was also active in church and civic life — serving as public relations director for a Methodist church, teaching Sunday school classes, and serving in leadership roles in his religious community.

He held positions on boards and in local organizations such as the Fort Worth Public Library and the Boy Scouts, and served in professional associations linked to public relations and education.

Intellectual Emphases & Style

Although Ward is not usually classified among major philosophers or literary innovators, his work is significant for:

• Epigrammatic clarity: His strength lay in crafting succinct, memorable lines that encapsulate moral or motivational insight.

• Optimism grounded in values: Rather than blind positivity, Ward’s quotes often balance hope with discipline, humility, and service.

• Moral orientation: His work emphasizes character, gratitude, integrity, relationships, and the inner life.

• Wide accessibility: His simple, direct style allowed his sayings to reach a broad audience beyond academic or literary circles.

He is often described as a “writer of maxims” or “inspirational writer,” rather than a novelist or philosopher.

Legacy and Influence

Ward’s legacy is less in large theoretical systems and more in the daily lives of readers who turned to his words for encouragement. His sayings continue to be cited, posted, gifted, and used in talks, sermons, and leadership settings.

Many of his lines have become part of the modern inspirational lexicon. Through calendars, greeting cards, and social media, his aphorisms continue to influence how people think about gratitude, character, and purpose.

Though he did not win major literary prizes, his widespread recognition as a source of uplifting reflection marks him as a significant figure in 20th-century American motivational writing.

Famous Quotes of William Arthur Ward

Here is a curated selection of William Arthur Ward’s most quoted and enduring lines:

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” “Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.” “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” “A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.” “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.” “It is wise to direct your anger towards problems — not people; to focus your energies on answers — not excuses.” “A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.” “Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.”

These quotes demonstrate recurring motifs in Ward’s thought: gratitude, humility, optimism, moral discipline, service, and the power of choice.

Lessons from William Arthur Ward

From his life and sayings, we can draw several takeaways:

1. Power of brevity
   A short, well-crafted sentence can stick in memory and influence action more than long discourses.

2. Consistency of values
   Optimism, humility, and service are not just themes but lived principles—Ward’s own career in education and public relations reflects that.

3. Gratitude and generosity as practices
   Many of his sayings emphasize giving, thankfulness, and supporting others—not just self-improvement.

4. Responsibility for one’s attitude
   Ward suggests that while we may not control circumstances (e.g. the wind), we can control how we respond (adjusting the sails).

5. Inspiration in ordinary life
   His focus is not on greatness through wealth or fame, but character, kindness, and the small choices that add up.

Conclusion

William Arthur Ward was not a grand theorist or novelist, but a master of the short form—an inspirational voice whose epigrams continue to resonate. His legacy rests in countless planners, speeches, bulletin boards, and reflections where ordinary readers find a moment of encouragement or clarity.