Andy Rooney, one of the iconic team members of the 60 Minutes news program, shared a lot of his insight, humor and wisdom over the years. In fact, his segment became one of the most popular, and for very good reason.
Rooney’s segment, “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney,” offered a satirical look at common and trivial everyday issue, such as the cost of groceries, annoying relatives, faulty Christmas presents, family vacations and so much more.
One of his most popular pieces, called “Rooneyisms,” is too good not to share with our readers:
I’ve learned…. That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I’ve learned…. That when you’re in love, it shows.
I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.
I’ve learned…. That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.
I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I’ve learned…. That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.
I’ve learned…. That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I’ve learned…. That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold
and a heart to understand.
I’ve learned…. That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us
everything we ask for.
I’ve learned…. That money doesn’t buy class.
I’ve learned…. That it’s those small daily happenings that make
life so spectacular.
I’ve learned…. That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I’ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I’ve learned…. That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I’ve learned… That life is tough, but I’m tougher.
I’ve learned…. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I’ve learned…. That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I’ve learned…. That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I’ve learned…. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I’ve learned….. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I’ve learned….. That when your newly born grandchild holds your
little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.
I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.
I’ve learned…. That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned some really great lessons, truisms and reminders from these Rooneyisms. It’s funny, virtually everyone thinks “I really need to start…..” but most of us never really get around to smiling more, helping people, saying “thank you,” remembering that love is the most valuable of treasures — maybe these Rooneysims are the ideal reminder that there’s no time like the present.
Andy Rooney is right — not liking or ignoring facts doesn’t change them and under every hard shell which someone wears as a protective armor, is someone who just wants to be accepted and loved. Today, I hope that more people decide to go out and live life to the fullest, that more of us have reason to smile and that once and for all, people realize that love really is the answer.
