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H. L. Mencken Quote

Quote Of The Day

H. L. Mencken Quote:

H. L. Mencken Quote

What’s Up With Pooj?

I’ve never felt so sure of myself and yet so anxious about my future. It’s an interesting feeling. One that I think many of us writers feel after finishing their manuscript. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot I need to work on with the script still but I’m close to completely done and it’s pretty scary. But also I did a good job and am proud of myself. It’s a weird cauldron of feelings, I don’t know how to describe it.

This year still feels like a new start which is odd because new years don’t generally feel like that to me. I personally don’t buy into the illusion that new years could change things, at least not significantly. But this year feels like I’m going to grow a lot as a person. Already, I’m learning to let go of control and let the universe do its thing. Which if you know me if not easy for me to do because I’m a crazy type A kind of person. But this year I’ve just let so much go and it’s not even been difficult. I guess the years of mediation, therapy and introspection are paying off.

I know that was a little contradictory of the quote however I would like to make clear that I am not any wiser, just simply a little better at controlling my emotions. So same IQ, better EQ lol.

Edit: My WP isn’t working on my laptop, I’m assuming it’s a glitch so my apologies if I haven’t been able to visit your blog today. Will do so when I can.

What I’m Listening To This Week:

What are your thoughts on this H. L. Mencken quote? What are you listening to this week? How was the last week for you? Any plans for this week? Let me know in the comments because I would absolutely love to hear from you. Or simply stop by and say hi!

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P. J. Gudka

100 responses to “H. L. Mencken Quote”

  1. Warren Avatar
    Warren

    all I can say, is that the older I get it seems the smarter my parents were….but I also realize, maybe I’m wrong about that, as a parent, OMG I’m an idiot as a parent, I’m pretty much making this stuff about parenting as I go along

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I think the biggest secret is that most people don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to parenting. Everyone is just trying their best.

      Reply
  2. Elsie LMC Avatar
    Elsie LMC

    It sounds like you’re going through a transformative time ✨️. I think that experience brings wisdom which can happen at any age 🤔

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes come I think you’re absolutely right about that. I think we just have to be open to change and improvement 🥰

      Reply
  3. John Avatar
    John

    The quote is very correct, Pooja. I’m glad that good things are happening for you this new year! You may be entering what I call a New Era in your life, just a part of this life! 😎👍🏻

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much! Yes I think this is a new era for me and I hope to enjoy it the best I can 🥰

      Reply
      1. John Avatar
        John

        Ya know, I realised that I am in a new era too, Pooja. The renovations I’m doing now tie into my thoughts on how my life was in the 1980s. Be well! 🙏🏻❤️☺️

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          That’s so wonderful, I’m so happy for you! ❤🥰

          Reply
          1. John Avatar
            John

            ❤️❤️

            Reply
  4. joseph elon lillie Avatar
    joseph elon lillie

    I resemble that quote. I thought by now I’d be wiser or at least smarter.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I feel the same way. But hopefully it’s not ever too late to get smarter.

      Reply
      1. joseph elon lillie Avatar
        joseph elon lillie

        Everyday is a new opportunity to learn!

        Reply
  5. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    I think the feelings you are having about confidence mixed with anxiety are totally natural, given all the things you are working on. You’re doing great! Enjoy and when the anxiety comes up, remind yourself all you have accomplished personally and professionally.

    I liked the quote as it’s reminder that there are many people who have lived a long time and have not gained the wisdom of people many decades younger.

    I liked the song; it feels like I’ve heard it before but it was good. I’m listening to a lot of different stuff these days, including some big band music from the 1940s today.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much, yes I think this feelings are natural and I’m doing my best to just enjoy the moment.

      Absolutely, I think wisdom has little to do with age but rather more to do with experience.

      I’m glad you enjoyed the song. Wow music from the 1940s that’s exciting. What musicians are you listening to at the moment?

      Reply
      1. Steve Avatar
        Steve

        Right now, none lol as I just did my morning fitness routine, but yesterday I was listening to a lot of big band/swing by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. It was music my parents played a lot.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Ooh very interesting, I most like country music from the 30’s and 40’s. I don’t know much about the other musicians from that era.

          Reply
          1. Steve Avatar
            Steve

            Oh, there is so much good music from that period, in many genres… I don’t know if I have heard much country from then, though, unless I just didn’t know the dates of originals that might have been covered later.

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              I would recommend the Carter Family, they’re amazing.

              Reply
              1. Steve Avatar
                Steve

                Huh, that’s cool, they came up in my research a few years ago for the song “Cups (When I’m Gone)” that Anna Kendrick did in the movie ‘Pitch Perfect.’ The Carters wrote the original! I will have to look into them some more… thank you!

                https://songoftheday.ca/2021/06/28/cups-when-im-gone/

                Reply
                1. Pooja G Avatar
                  Pooja G

                  I would recommend this one by them, it’s my favourite: https://youtu.be/qjHjm5sRqSA

                  Reply
                  1. Steve Avatar
                    Steve

                    Thanks for the tip!

                    Reply
                    1. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      Happy to share the song, it’s nice to be on the other end sometimes haha.

                    2. Steve Avatar
                      Steve

                      😅

  6. thomasstigwikman Avatar
    thomasstigwikman

    About the quote, I think it speaks some truth. Like you say, certainly your IQ will not rise. Experience can bring wisdom and a better understanding of others. However, there are many people who do not grow in wisdom or compassion. A big ego can prevent that kind of growth, and a big ego combined with success (success can be a bad teacher) can have the opposite effect.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think you’re very right wisdom has more to do with experience then with age. Some people get older and learn from their experiences while others refused to. Absolutely, that’s why so many successful people aren’t necessary intelligent or good people.

      Reply
  7. Milena Alien Avatar
    Milena Alien

    Love the quote, there is a joke in my language: they say wisdom comes with age, sometimes though age comes alone. Letting go is very important, I wrote a few affirmations last night, and realized that you can’t take life or yourself seriously, and if you do then old age might come alone without wisdom. Not sure if it makes sense, I hope it does because who wants to live forever?

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Lol that’s very true. Absolutely letting go is I think one of the most important things in life because we constantly are forced to let things go.

      Reply
      1. Milena Alien Avatar
        Milena Alien

        Yes, like every day

        Reply
  8. katiemiafrederick Avatar
    katiemiafrederick

    SMiLes Dear Pooja There is Nothing Older and More Full of Exclusion
    Than Tradition as Of Course by Very Nature Tradition Stays The

    Same Requiring Bonding Binding Over the Same Sheet

    of Choir Music

    Without the

    Ability for Jazz
    Yes Improvisation

    On What’s Been Done
    Before to Make Life Sweeter

    In Progress Indeed Anyway Some

    Of the Places i Visit Evidence That

    Youth Have
    Grown
    Wise
    to the
    Old Tradition
    of Excluding Others
    in Oppression Resulting

    Hehe in Plenty of Gray Hairs
    to Sweep off the Floor

    After the Day of
    Tradition is

    Stale
    And Done

    There are Different
    Kinds of Wisdom Indeed
    Yet Without Humanity What’s

    Really the
    Use of

    Living at All…
    Hehe ‘Orange F Blossoms’ i Guess

    Other than that Congrats on the Progress
    of Your New Book Good Wishes For Sailing Free..:)

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes that’s so true. I think a lot of things are created for the youth and often forget about people that are older. True humanity is the most important quality.

      Reply
      1. katiemiafrederick Avatar
        katiemiafrederick

        Indeed That’s So True
        Too yet to be more
        Explicit what i
        Mean is Younger
        Folks are dropping
        Out of ‘Church’ As

        They are
        Wise Enough
        To include LGBQT

        Folks And Educated
        Enough to see through

        Cons yet of Course like
        All of us They have their

        Issues too

        Dear Pooja

        Overall Day To
        Day the Human
        Species As A Whole

        Belies the
        Term Homo
        Sapien Sapiens

        For
        “Wise
        Apes”

        As Bonobos
        Have The
        Ability
        To LiVE iN
        LoVE iN Peace

        As
        A
        Group
        With SMiles

        More successful
        Than Humans

        And
        Without
        Even Any Words
        That End Up as Con’s ☺️

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Yes, I think the youth is more educated and therefore more aware of how much minority groups have been through. At the end of the day, we’re all human and deserve respect regardless of our lifestyle choices.

          Reply
          1. katiemiafrederick Avatar
            katiemiafrederick

            So True
            Thank
            You Dear Pooja☺️

            Reply
  9. shivatje Avatar
    shivatje

    🙏🌹👍

    Aum Shanti

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      🙏🙏

      Reply
  10. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar
    Vanya Wryter Consulting

    Sometimes age brings wisdom, sometimes it doesn’t. You can get older without getting wiser (because you don’t have all the answers, despite having more life experience).

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Absolutely, I think it really depends on the person. With wisdom age does not matter as much because there are a lot of younger people that are very wise and some older people that still have not learned much from life.

      Reply
  11. festo_sanjo Avatar
    festo_sanjo

    I think wisdom is something to be acquired rather than something to be experienced. So certainly age might make one wise, but if he or she is able to acquire and integrate the lessons learnt through experience. Otherwise, nothing really changes lol.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That is so true, I think a lot of people just refuse to learn from their experiences while some very much do and become wiser.

      Reply
      1. festo_sanjo Avatar
        festo_sanjo

        Absolutely. They’re burry their heads into the ground.

        Reply
  12. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    Sometimes age does brings wisdom.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, very true.

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        At least I hope so 😅

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          I think many do get wiser it just depends on the person 😅

          Reply
          1. Sadje Avatar
            Sadje

            Exactly 👍🏼

            Reply
  13. Ranjana Avatar
    Ranjana

    I absolutely agree with this quote. As a dance teacher, I used to interact with people of all ages. The habit has helped me during my solo travels as I can make a comfortable conversation with strangers, listening to their journeys and relationships. And so I understand that even the smartest person make the silliest mistakes and do some very immature things. All in all life always tests our limits but it is human nature to keep going on the desired path and figure out how to solve a puzzle even without a strategy or a GPS. 😜

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That’s so true. I think the more we interact with people around us the more we learn that no one is perfect and we’re all just trying our best.

      Reply
  14. Opher Avatar
    Opher

    The trouble with life is that it’s too short. You spend time winding up to get going. You cruise along building slowly and get yourself into a steady momentum, then, suddenly you realise that it’s over. You never really got to where you were heading and now you’re winding down. 4000 weeks is all we have. Each second is precious.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Very true, we spend so much of life just trying to figure it out and when we finally feel like we’re starting to it’s too late.

      Reply
  15. Joseph Glidden Avatar
    Joseph Glidden

    I think the quote is a variation of the Albert Einstein quote “the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know”. The funny thing is, I have been coming across things today that say the more curious you are the better you age in a healthy way. I never understand people who say they don’t want to live a long time. I feel like a thousand years would barely allow a person to scratch the surface of knowledge and understanding of the world around us and within us. Looking forward to your new book.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I completely agree with you about that. I would love to live for like a thousand years and I know that I still would know almost nothing. There’s so much information out there that it is pretty much impossible to know everything or even just the majority of things. Thank you so much.

      Reply
      1. Joseph Glidden Avatar
        Joseph Glidden

        They say if you make a goal that becomes the first step to achieving it. We will have to make a plan to meet up somewhere for lunch a thousand years from now and you can sign any books of yours that I have purchased.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Haha absolutely I’ll see you in a thousand years.

          Reply
  16. Bookstooge Avatar
    Bookstooge

    Ughhh, sorry to hear WP wasn’t working for you. I’m at the point where if it’s not working for me, I just go read my book and let the chips fall. It’s like surfing, don’t fight the wave, use the wave…..

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thankfully, it seems to have fixed itself and that’s exactly what I did lol. Read for a bit and then went to bed.

      Reply
  17. byngnigel Avatar
    byngnigel

    Lol… I agree with that quote 100 percent. But my eyes are being opened daily to new perspectives, and new people. .. Still so much more to learn and experience..life is too short.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, there’s so much to learn daily 😊

      Reply
  18. Eugi Avatar
    Eugi

    Depending on what we learned and experienced in the past, age can bring wisdom. However, not all we learned was true or well-intended. I think the key is how well we sorted it out.

    I am sorry to hear WP isn’t working for you, and hope you get the issues resolved.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think you just have to be open to learning new things. And being able to change your opinions based on learning new information is important too.

      Thankfully, the issue seems to have resolved itself.

      Reply
  19. donnajburkholder Avatar
    donnajburkholder

    I don’t totally agree with the quote. I don’t think wisdom automatically comes with age but it can if one is doing the work and self-aware. The quote did make me think of something I’ve said many times, that the more education I obtained and the more years of experience I had as a psychotherapist, the less I felt like I really understood people.
    I suspect that you have gained wisdom.
    It’s been rewarding to see your many successes. Keep going … I know you will.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I totally understand where you’re coming from and I think it’s so true, the more we learn the more we realise we know so little.
      Thanks so much, I so appreciate you saying that 😊

      Reply
      1. donnajburkholder Avatar
        donnajburkholder

        Exactly. Sure, you’re welcome.

        Reply
  20. Brian, Snarebox Avatar
    Brian, Snarebox

    There’s nothing inherently special about a new year, but it helps our minds align with the idea of “starting now” on the things we’ve known we should be doing. But, like you suggested, there’s no reason you can’t do that on April 18th. Maybe there is some semi-mystical power of crowdthink around the 1st which can help get us motivated. In any case, I’m glad it’s put you in a positive “growth” mindset. I’ve had a similar start to the year.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I think it’s mostly psychological but I’m trying to make the best of it. I wish you the best in 2025, may we both continue to grow as people.

      Reply
  21. Geoff Stamper Avatar
    Geoff Stamper

    Mencken misunderstood. You are not supposed to get wise with age. You get wizened.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I would love to be more wizen…

      Reply
  22. Wynne Leon Avatar
    Wynne Leon

    You’ve done such a beautiful job describing that mix of emotions. And the necessary step to letting go and allowing the Universe to work its magic. Here’s to the benefits of raising EQ!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much. Yes, I think sometimes we just have to let destiny do its thing. I’ll toast to that!

      Reply
  23. Laer D M Avatar
    Laer D M

    Yes. The older I get the more I want to know and the less wisdom I believe I have.

    Thanks for continuing to work your way through my blog.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      So true, I think the older we get the more we realize just how little we know. Always a pleasure.

      Reply
  24. Benjamin Nambu Avatar
    Benjamin Nambu

    A great piece, thanks for sharing, Pooja.

    Age doesn’t necessarily bring with it wisdom without a conscious effort on the part of the individual to grow.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, exactly it’s not about age. Thanks so much.

      Reply
  25. clcouch123 Avatar
    clcouch123

    The Mencken quotation is smart. And prudent. It might unhinge wisdom to be gained at any age or to be missed at any age. Oops. Better keep seeking, who and where we are. I’m happy you’re relating better with your emotions. There’s probably wisdom in that, though the health of it I think might be more important.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think we can gain wisdom at any age and some don’t learn or become wiser even when they are older. Thanks so much!

      Reply
  26. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    My favorite song of hers, I think.

    It’s interesting what you say, same IQ but better EQ, too. I really get that one needs to scale emotional awareness to meet other challenges. I always think about how a wise person can do more with a little than a fool can do when given everything. I believe that generally, even if current pessimism around politics and such appears to be proving me wrong these days. 🙂 It’s relevant to your quote as well, I guess, because although age may bring wisdom, there are some who resist it at every turn, so age is no guarantee. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Mine too, I love all her music but this song is just incredible.

      Yes, I think that’s very true. You can give someone everything, they can have all the opportunities and do very little with it while a wise person can go from having nothing to eventually having a lot. True, at any age some are wise and some refuse to change/grow.

      Reply
  27. Michele Lee Avatar
    Michele Lee

    Congratulations on your book progress and for honoring your emotions through the process. 🦋 “let the universe do its thing” ✨

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much, yes this year I want to let go of everything holding me down and instead of worrying constantly I want to let the universe take charge.

      Reply
  28. SiriusSea Avatar
    SiriusSea

    Congratulations … Huge achievement and many more to come, Pooja <3 … You are so right about this year being different than the others, and I'm hoping to keep the trend going if possible. Wiser, we can only wish; control of emotions = wizard level (lol)! That's the real education! Awesome post, quote, and what's up ~ 😀

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much!
      It’s interesting how so many of us are noticing that this year is different somehow. Thanks! It took years of meditation but I feel like I’m getting much better at regulating my emotions 🙂

      Reply
  29. Mary K. Doyle Avatar
    Mary K. Doyle

    The quote is funny. I hope we learn something and can apply it to our lives as we age.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, that’s the best way to live. Never stop learning.

      Reply
  30. JR Avatar
    JR

    That’s great sounds like you’re feeling optimistic, I am too. I love the quote, age brings wisdom sure… but some things we can learn in the present by looking at the person we used to be also. Personally I was more carefree although “less wise” when I was younger…so I’d like to get some of that back this year, for example.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I don’t know if I’m exactly optimistic yet but more like free of the anxiety and worries. Letting go feels good. That’s great, I hope you can relearn to be more carefree this year.

      Reply
      1. JR Avatar
        JR

        Well that sounds like a very good step, and thanks 🙂

        Reply
  31. City Odyssey Avatar
    City Odyssey

    Sometimes, beautiful things happen when we “let go”. All the best with your manuscript. I’m sure it will turn out great 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That’s so true. Thanks so much ☺

      Reply
  32. Alan Conrad Avatar
    Alan Conrad

    I also disagree with Mencken – your growing confidence with accompanying anxiety Pooja is natural – confidence opens many new doors – and who knows what’s behind them.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you and I think so too, it’s a natural part of growing up and handling the changes that come with it.

      Reply
  33. ianscyberspace Avatar
    ianscyberspace

    I’ve also observed some with a PhD are not always wise 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Very true, being book smart doesn’t always mean you’re wise.

      Reply
  34. Loku Avatar
    Loku

    Connect to your emotions.❤️

    This is something I’m learning to pursue. As an overthinker connecting to one’s emotions & understanding them is important.

    Mostly worry makes me overthink.
    Other times, overthinking is productive.

    I like being stable and good. I like being quiet & peaceful. I’m normal & happy not overconscious.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I’m an overthinker too due to my anxiety so I can definitely relate. However, with effort we can change.

      Reply
      1. Loku Avatar
        Loku

        We are closer to the solutions, instead of recognising as merely victims.

        At some point, I want to make all emotionally intelligent decisions!

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Good luck, I’m sure you’ll get to that point over time!

          Reply
  35. Janice Reid Avatar
    Janice Reid

    Personally, I disagree with Mencken’s quote. I have definitely gotten wiser with age 😊.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I love that for you, it’s important to learn our lessons and get wiser 😊

      Reply
  36. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    I believe age brings wisdom to those who are open to hearing it, willing to learn from their mistakes, and are willing to heed advice.
    Those who are blind and deaf to those things are no wiser no matter what their age.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think so too. Regardless of age, those who want to grow will continue to do so and vice versa.

      Reply
      1. Dawn Avatar
        Dawn

        So very, very true! 💞

        Reply

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