Little-known Context Behind Well-known Quotes

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis

Context: This is a line from a conversation Lewis had with his wife of 30 years right before telling her he was leaving her for another woman.

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” -Dr. Seuss

Context: Although he did a lot of writing as an adult, this classic quote is from Seuss’ own high school yearbook and includes the quotation marks and self-attribution.   

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Context: Gandhi actually spoke this famous line while he was still in his college days. The “they” he is referring to is the Alpha Beta fraternity who did not accept him as a pledge and would go on to regret it when he showed up to their house party uninvited.