Andy Rooney, best known for his weekly broadcast “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney” at the end of CBS’s 60 Minutes, had the gift of saying so much with so few words. He died in 2011, but many of his words live on. In a piece entitled “I’ve Learned . . .” he noted twenty-seven things he’d learned. I’ve selected seventeen of them to share with you.
I’ve learned . . .
That just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.
I’ve learned . . .
That being kind is more important than being right.
I’ve learned . . .
That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way.
I’ve learned . . .
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I’ve learned . . .
That money doesn’t buy class.
I’ve learned . . .
That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I’ve learned . . .
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved
I’ve learned . . .
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I’ve learned . . .
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I’ve learned . . .
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I’ve learned . . .
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I’ve learned . . .
That life is tough, but I’m tougher.
I’ve learned . . .
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I’ve learned . . .
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I’ve learned . . .
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I’ve learned . . .
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I’ve learned . . .
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.