“I could have gold and roses, too, If I would work like those who do.”

— Edgar A. Guest, "The Truth About Envy", Just Folks, 1917

About Edgar A. Guest

1881 – 1959

English-born American poet, known as the "People's Poet".

“He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, and he did it.”

“Life must be what we make of it.”

“Whate'er my task, be this my creed: I am on earth to fill a need.”

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”

“Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”

“The fact is the sweetest dream that labor knows.”

“The poet shall not spend his time in unneeded work.”

“Make every effort to change things you do not like.”

“We hired truly great people and gave them the room to do great work.”