Elbert Hubbard is an American writer and publisher who was born in 1859. Here are 15 quotes that are attributed to him:

1. ‘Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.’

A quote using strong irony about enjoying life while you can.

2. ‘A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same’

Identifying friends as those who do not judge you.

3. ‘Never explain – your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.’

Highlighting the irony of explanations.

4. ‘Positive anything is better than negative nothing’

Stating you should never give up, always try something.

5. ‘A little more persistence, a little more effort, and when seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success’

Work hard and never give up.

6. ‘He who does not understand silence will probably not understand your words’

Don’t waste time with those not worthy.

7. ‘The greatest mistake in life is continually fearing you will make one’

Don’t live life in fear ‘ take a chance.

8. ‘We are punished by our sins, not for them’

Sins are part of life, don’t dwell on mistakes.

9. ‘The love we give away is the only love we keep’

You won’t be loved by those you don’t love back.

10. ‘To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing’

If you want to achieve anything, you’ll always be at risk of criticism.

11. ‘The best preparation for good work tomorrow is good work today’

Don’t put things off as it will ruin your momentum.

12. ‘Art is not a thing, it is a way’

Stating that art is a way of living as opposed to something objective.

13. ‘Responsibility is the price of freedom’

If you want to be free, you must take on responsibility.

14. ‘The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.’

A friend is only a friend if they like everything about you, or are willing to forgive you of your flaws.

15. ‘God will not look over you for medals or degrees, but scars’

God doesn’t care about achievements, only life experiences and choices.