The humor and philosophy of Will Rogers

Yesterday was the anniversary of the tragic death of one of America's great humorists and homespun philosophers, Will Rogers.  Rogers died in a plane crash with aviator Wiley Post as they were flying into Alaska in 1935.  At the time, he was perhaps as well know -- if not more well known -- than any figure in the country.

Noted for his saying, "I never met a man I didn't like," Rogers had almost daily statements about everything from culture to politics, shared on the radio, in his widely circulated newspaper column, and in the many movies in which he appeared.  Here are just a few examples:

Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.

The person with the best job in the country is the vice president. All he has to do is get up every morning and say, How is the president?

The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you ... if you don't let it get the best of you.

Live so that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.

Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.