Advice from Dr. Seuss for Professionals

?Over the years I’ve practiced law, I’ve found that children’s books can contain some surprisingly helpful advice. One of my personal favorite children’s book authors is Dr. Seuss.

Originally a philosopher and a poet, Theodor Seuss Geisel went on to write and illustrate many best-selling books under the pen name Dr. Seuss. His focus on empathy, creative thinking, equality, and responsibility, which evolved over the course of his life, makes his books ideal for adults as well as children.?

Here are a few particularly insightful quotes I think can be helpful to professionals.?

1. “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! (1975)

I’ve always loved this quote because of its emphasis on creative thinking. In my profession, law, it’s easy to become hyper-focused on a single solution. I find it helpful to remember this quote and approach an issue from multiple angles. Taking the time to look at issues from different viewpoints isn’t just pragmatic. It can also help yield the best results.

2. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

The Lorax (1971)

Dr. Seuss might write about a lot of zany adventures, but I appreciate that he doesn’t come up with magical solutions to problems. In the end, there’s no easy fix. Instead, Dr. Seuss reminds us that hard work and kindness can make a big difference.

3. “So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!”

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (1990)

Dr. Seuss’s last book, published before his death in 1991, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is chock-full of advice about life’s journey and challenges. This quote encourages people to be cautious and pay attention to the feelings of others. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of remembering our own goals and personal ethics. When we work to balance sensitivity with integrity, the results can be wildly successful.

4. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Horton Hears a Who! (1954)

Of course, no list of Dr. Seuss’s quotes is complete without this gem from “Horton Hears a Who.” This quote encourages people in positions of power to pay attention to others who might seem weak or unimportant. It’s a quote that’s stuck with me over the years and encouraged me to take the time to remember to listen to everyone. Fiercely championing the rights of the overlooked and the so-called "diverse" is something I will always be passionate about.

5. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! (1978)

This quote does a great job of summing up why education is so essential. Of course, the first step to learning is reading, whether it’s magazine articles, classic novels, or legal doctrine. And it’s important to remember that learning shouldn’t be confined to just school and work pursuits. Though it takes a little effort, being informed will open doors.

6. “I meant what I said and I said what I meant.”

Horton Hatches the Egg (1940)

In a world full of double-speak and hidden meanings, I find that there is a lot of value in being genuine, honest, and forthright. People deserve to know what you really think when they come to you for advice.???

7. “I know, up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here at the bottom we, too, should have rights.”

Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories (1958)

This quote perfectly encapsulates Dr. Seuss’s egalitarian outlook. It stresses that people from all walks of life deserve the same basic rights while also nicely describing the challenges faced when ensuring that everyone is treated fairly. We can only have true equality when we acknowledge the viewpoints of others and actively work to provide equal opportunities.

8. “A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.”

The Lorax (1971)

This bit of advice acknowledges the importance of staying true to your convictions. As the Lorax reminds us, your choices today can significantly impact your future. To achieve the best outcomes, you need to have a clear plan of your future and make decisions that point you in the right direction.

9. “If you keep your eyes open enough, oh, the stuff you will learn! The most wonderful stuff!”

I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! (1978)

One of the reasons I love Dr. Seuss so much is because he encourages creativity and curiosity. This quote is a nice reminder that there is plenty to learn if you have the motivation to do so. Just taking a bit of time to look around and explore can provide you with fascinating and helpful new knowledge that you might’ve missed otherwise.

Ultimately, Dr. Seuss has written some wise words that can make a big difference in our professional as well as personal lives. His many books remind us that hard work and a little compassion, caring, and determination go a long way.