On Growing Up

I often plan something for my weekly writing and then I see something or read something that draws my attentions and seems to deserve to be shared with you. What I quote below seems appropriate and relevant to our practice, especially in these challenging times. I think this first set of quotes would be heartily endorsed by my teacher, Lama John Makransky.

This week’s sharing is a few quotes from the beloved Mr. Rogers, collected by Kelly Richman-Adbou on mymodernmet.com. There are much more in the article, but not enough room to share them all. We will get to them in the weeks to come.

For decades, children (and, I might say, adults too) have found a friend in Fred Rogers. A beloved television personality, talented composer, and imaginative puppeteer, Rogers became a household name when Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood made its debut in 1968. During the popular program’s 33-year run, Rogers helped kids come to terms with the trials, tribulations, and facts of life. Whether walking little ones through the magical manufacturing of crayons or helping them cope with everything from daycare to divorce, Rogers managed to frame each episode around a simple question: “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Though among Fred Rogers’ more famous lines, this familiar prompt is not his only inspiring quote. During his 60-year career, Rogers was admired by children and adults alike for his authentic way with words. Now, nearly twenty years after his death, Rogers’ tried-and-true advice remains more relevant than ever, whether comforting familiar faces, inspiring a generation of new neighbors, or simply shedding light on an already luminous legacy.

Learn about life, love, and an inspiring legacy with these Mister Rogers quotes.

In 1928, Fred Rogers was born in Pittsburgh. As a child, he was bullied by his peers—a situation that undoubtedly inspired a lifelong dedication to helping children.

“I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.”

“Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”

“Children are to be respected and I respect them deeply. They’ve taught me an awful lot.”

“From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving.”

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”