L Frank Baum Quotes

People lose a lot of time being afraid... People lose a lot of time in hating others, and there's no fun in it at all. ~ L. Frank Baum

If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with. ~ L. Frank Baum

I'm glad I don't know everything, Dorothy, and that there still are things in both nature and in wit for me to marvel at. ~ L. Frank Baum

Why, anybody can have a brain. That's a very mediocre commodity. Every pusillanimous creature that crawls on the Earth or slinks through slimy seas has a brain. Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning, where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thoughts and with no more brains than you have. But they have one thing you haven't got: a diploma. ~ L. Frank Baum

You do not I will make an end of you, as I did of the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow. Dorothy followed her through many of the beautiful rooms in her castle ~ L. Frank Baum

Glossie looked around at the houses. The snow was quite deep in that village, and just before them was a roof only a few feet above the sledge. A broad chimney, which seemed to Glossie big enough to admit Claus, was at the peak of the roof. "Why don't you climb down that chimney?" asked Glossie. Claus looked at it. "That would be easy enough if I were on top of the roof," he answered. "Then hold fast and we will take you there," said the deer, and they gave one bound to the roof and landed beside the big chimney. "Good!" cried Claus, well pleased, and he slung the pack of toys over his shoulder and got into the chimney. ~ L. Frank Baum

Tarts and tadpoles!...The boy is still alive! ~ L. Frank Baum

I have heard, my dear friend, that a person can become over-educated; and although I have a high respect for brains, no matter how they may be arranged or classified, I begin to suspect that yours are slightly tangled. In any event, I must beg you to restrain your superior education while in our society. ~ L. Frank Baum

The Great and Terrible Humbug, ~ L. Frank Baum

All your troubles are due to those 'ifs', declared the Wizard. ~ L. Frank Baum

It was a terrible thing to undergo, but during the year I stood there I had time to think that the greatest loss I had known was the loss of my heart. While I was in love I was the happiest man on earth; but no one can love who has not a heart, and so I am resolved to ask Oz to give me one. - The Tin Woodsman, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz pgs 72-73. ~ L. Frank Baum

Nonsense!" said the Emperor - but in a kindly, sympathetic tone. "Do not, I beg of you, dampen today's sun with the showers of tomorrow. For before your head has time to spoil you can have it canned, and in that way it may be preserved indefinitely. ~ L. Frank Baum

Have you brains?" Asked the scarecrow.
"I suppose. I've never looked to see." Replied the lion. ~ L. Frank Baum

Can't you give me brains?" asked the Scarecrow.
"You don't need them. You are learning something every day. A baby has brains, but it doesn't know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get. ~ L. Frank Baum

The Cowardly Lion laughed, and said: I have always thought myself very big and terrible; yet such little things as flowers came near to killing me, and such small animals as mice have saved my life. How strange it all is! But, ~ L. Frank Baum

Do not, I beg of you, dampen today's sun with the showers of tomorrow. - Emperor Nick Chopper (The Tin Woodsman) -The Marvellous Land Of Oz by L. Frank Baum pg 86 chapter 11 ~ L. Frank Baum

When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad sweep of flat country that reached to the edge of the sky in all directions. The sun had baked the plowed land into a gray mass, with little cracks running through it. Even the grass was not green, for the sun had burned the tops of the long blades until they were the same gray color to be seen everywhere. Once the house had been painted, but the sun blistered the paint and the rains washed it away, and now the house was as dull and gray as everything else. ~ L. Frank Baum

Reera did not keep them in misery more than a few seconds, for she touched each one with her right hand and instantly the fishes were transformed into three tall and slender young women, with fine, intelligent faces and clothed in handsome, clinging gowns. The one who had been a goldfish had beautiful golden hair and blue eyes and was exceedingly fair of skin; the one who had been a bronzefish had dark brown hair and clear gray eyes and her complexion matched these lovely features. The one who had been a silverfish had snow-white hair of the finest texture and deep brown eyes. The hair contrasted exquisitely with her pink cheeks and ruby-red lips, nor did it make her look a day older than her two companions. ~ L. Frank Baum

Scarecrow declared he could see as well as by day. So she took hold of his ~ L. Frank Baum

The little girl, seeing she had lost one of her pretty shoes, grew angry, and said to the Witch, "Give me back my shoe!" "I will not," retorted the Witch, "for it is now my shoe, and not yours." "You are a wicked creature!" cried Dorothy. "You have no right to take my shoe from me." "I shall keep it, just the same," said the Witch, laughing at her, "and someday I shall get the other one from you, too." This made Dorothy so very angry that she picked up the bucket of water that stood near and dashed it over the Witch, wetting her from head to foot. Instantly the wicked woman gave a loud cry of fear, and then, as Dorothy looked at her in wonder, the Witch began to shrink and fall away. "See what you have done!" she screamed. "In a minute I shall melt away. ~ L. Frank Baum

Oh, I see;" said the Tin Woodman. "But, after all, brains are not the best things in the world."
Have you any?" enquired the Scarecrow.
No, my head is quite empty," answered the Woodman; "but once I had brains, and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart. ~ L. Frank Baum

Everything in life is unusual until you get accustomed to it -The Scarecrow - The Marvellous Land Of Oz by L. Frank Baum pg 103 chapter 13 ~ L. Frank Baum

Floor and keep the fire fed with wood. Dorothy went to work meekly, with her mind made up to work as hard as she ~ L. Frank Baum

It is a callous age; we have seen so many marvels that we are ashamed to marvel more; the seven wonders of the world have become seven thousand wonders. ~ L. Frank Baum

You are welcome, most noble Sorceress, to the land of the Munchkins. We are so grateful to you for having killed the Wicked Witch of the East, and for setting our people free from bondage. ~ L. Frank Baum

Here is your future ruler, King Evardo Fifteenth. He is fifteen years of age, has fifteen silver buckles on his jacket and is the fifteenth Evardo to rule the land of Ev. The people shouted their approval fifteen times, ~ L. Frank Baum

For I consider brains far superior to money in every way. You may have noticed that if one has money without brains, he cannot use it to his advantage; but if one has brains without money, they will enable him to live comfortably to the end of his days. ~ L. Frank Baum

Never question the truth of what you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders. ~ L. Frank Baum

Having this thought in mind, the story of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was written solely to please children of today. It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out. L. Frank Baum ~ L. Frank Baum

As a matter of fact, we are none of us above criticism; so let us bear with each other's faults. ~ L. Frank Baum

Nothing can resist your kind heart and your sharp axe. ~ L. Frank Baum

You're more than that," said the Scarecrow, in a grieved tone; "you're a humbug." "Exactly so!" declared the little man, rubbing his hands together as if it pleased him. "I am a humbug. ~ L. Frank Baum

I can tell the time, though, by speak-ing, and as I nev-er sleep I can wak-en you at an-y hour you wish to get up in the morn-ing.'
'That's nice,' said the little girl; 'only I never wish to get up in the morning. ~ L. Frank Baum

No one knows that, except the person who's writing this story," said Shaggy. "But we won't find anything - not even supper - unless we travel on. Here's a path. Let's take it and see where it leads to. ~ L. Frank Baum

To be angry once in a while is really good fun, because it makes others so miserable. But to be angry morning, noon and night, as I am, grows monotonous and prevents my gaining any other pleasure in life. ~ L. Frank Baum

Now then, Mr. Crab," said the zebra, "here are the people I told you about; and they know more than you do, who live in a pool, and more than I do, who live in a forest. For they have been travelers all over the world, and know every part of it."
"There's more of the world than Oz," declared the crab, in a stubborn voice.
"That is true," said Dorothy; "but I used to live in Kansas, in the United States, and I've been to California and to Australia
and so has Uncle Henry."
"For my part," added the Shaggy Man, "I've been to Mexico and Boston and many other foreign countries."
"And I," said the Wizard, "have been to Europe and Ireland."
"So you see," continued the zebra, addressing the crab, "here are people of real consequence, who know what they are talking about. ~ L. Frank Baum

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ 1. ~ L. Frank Baum

If we walk far enough," says Dorothy, "we shall sometime come to someplace. ~ L. Frank Baum

it's foolish to borrow trouble. ~ L. Frank Baum

Don't let us quarrel. We all have our weaknesses, dear friends; so we must strive to be considerate of one another. And since this poor boy is hungry and has nothing whatver to eat, let us all remain quiet and allow him to sleep; for it is said that in sleep a mortal may forget even hunger. - Scarecrow ~ L. Frank Baum

It's a bird of some sort. It's like a duck, only I never saw a duck have so many colors.
The bird swam swiftly and gracefully toward the Magic Isle, and as it drew nearer its gorgeously colored plumage astonished them. The feathers were of many hues of glistening greens and blues and purples, and it had a yellow head with a red plume, and pink, white and violet in its tail. ~ L. Frank Baum

Perhaps I should admit on the title page that this book is "By L. Frank Baum and his correspondents," for I have used many suggestions conveyed to me in letters from children. Once on a time I really imagined myself "an author of fairy tales," but now I am merely an editor or private secretary for a host of youngsters whose ideas I am requested to weave into the thread of my stories...My, what imaginations these children have developed! Sometimes I am fairly astounded by their daring an genius. There will be no lack of fairy-tale authors in the future, I am sure. My readers have told me what to do with Dorothy, and Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, and I have obeyed their mandates. They have also given me a variety of subjects to write about in the future: enough, in fact, to keep me busy for some time. I am very proud of this alliance. Children love these stories because children have helped to create them. My readers know what they want and realize I try to please them. The result is satisfactory to the publishers, to me, and (I am quite sure) to the children. I hope, my dears, it will be a long time before we are obliged to dissolve partnership. ~ L. Frank Baum

I wouldn't be surprised if Ruggedo melted Tik-Tok in one of his furnaces and made copper pennies of him." "In that case, I would still keep going," remarked Tik-Tok, calmly. "Pennies do," said Betsy regretfully. ~ L. Frank Baum

It is possible for any man, by good deeds, to enshrine himself as a Saint in the hearts of the people. ~ L. Frank Baum

It is useless to fight people with shooting heads; no one can withstand them. ~ L. Frank Baum

woods. The road was still paved with yellow brick, but these were much covered by dried branches and dead leaves from the trees, and the walking was not at all good. There were few ~ L. Frank Baum

the queerest people she had ever seen. ~ L. Frank Baum

Nobody gets in to see the wizard. Not nobody. ~ L. Frank Baum

came to eat the corn too, so in a short time there ~ L. Frank Baum

I think you are wrong to want a heart. It makes most people unhappy. If you only knew it, you are in luck not to have a heart. ~ L. Frank Baum

Demons may be either good or bad, like any other class of beings. ~ L. Frank Baum

Presently Jack Pumpkinhead became uneasy.

"I wonder if riding through the air is liable to spoil pumpkins," he said.

"Not unless you carelessly drop your head over the side," answered the Woggle-Bug. "In that event your head would no longer be a pumpkin, for it would become a squash."

"Have I not asked you to restrain these unfeeling jokes?" demanded Tip, looking at the Woggle-Bug with a severe expression.

"You have; and I've restrained a good many of them," replied the insect. "But there are opportunities for so many excellent puns in our language that, to an educated person like myself, the temptation to express them is almost irresistible. ~ L. Frank Baum

Reached by a trap door in the middle of the floor, from which a ladder led down into the small, dark hole. When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad ~ L. Frank Baum

To 'know Thyself' is considered quite an accomplishment. ~ L. Frank Baum

4. The Road Through the Forest ~ L. Frank Baum

Never give up ... No one knows what's going to happen next. ~ L. Frank Baum

And as they walked along he sang "Tol-de-ri-de-oh!" at every step, he felt so gay. ~ L. Frank Baum

When I was young I longed to write a great novel that should win me fame. Now that I am getting old my first book is written to amuse children ~ L. Frank Baum

Everyone loved her, but her greatest sorrow was that she could find no one to love in return, since all the men were much too stupid and ugly to mate with one so beautiful and wise. ~ L. Frank Baum

As they passed the rows of houses they saw through the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting and washing dishes, while the women sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing.
What has happened?' the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling a baby carriage along the sidewalk.
Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty
as you ought to know very well,' replied the man; 'and since you went away the women have been running things to suit themselves. I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the Emerald City.'
Hm!' said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. 'If it is such hard work as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?'
I really do not know,' replied the man, with a deep sigh. 'Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron. ~ L. Frank Baum

Everything perishes except the world itself and its keepers ... But while life lasts everything on earth has its use. The wise seek ways to be helpful to the world, for the helpful ones are sure to live again. ~ L. Frank Baum

Now, that is very interesting history," said Jack, well pleased; "and I understand it perfectly all but the explanation. ~ L. Frank Baum

The mule is a very intelligent animal, but to get his attention you have to hit him on the head with a stick. ~ L. Frank Baum

Oh, if Shakespeare says it, that's all right. ~ L. Frank Baum

She thought of a new way to kill my love for the beautiful Munchkin maiden, and made my axe slip again, so that it cut right through my body, splitting me into two halves. ~ L. Frank Baum

Education is a thing to be proud of. ~ L. Frank Baum

Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable.
- Wizard ~ L. Frank Baum

You have plenty of courage, I am sure," answered Oz. "All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty. ~ L. Frank Baum

The Emerald City has been ruled by men long enough ~ L. Frank Baum

but one egg isn't good for anything at all ~ L. Frank Baum

There is no place like home. ~ L. Frank Baum

Even with eyes protected by the green spectacles, Dorothy and her friends were at first dazzled by the brilliancy of the wonderful City. ~ L. Frank Baum

I'm glass, and transparent, too, which is more than can be said of some folks," answered the cat. "Also I have some lovely pink brains; you can see 'em work. ~ L. Frank Baum

It seems strange," said he, as he watched the Tin Woodman work, "that my left leg should be the most elegant and substantial part of me." "That proves you are unusual," returned the Scarecrow. "and I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed." "Spoken like a philosopher!" cried the Woggle-Bug, ~ L. Frank Baum

And I' declared the Sawhorse, filling an awkward pause, 'am only remarkable because I can't help it. ~ L. Frank Baum

Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. ~ L. Frank Baum

The North Country is purple, and it's the Country of the Gillikins. The East Country is blue, and that's the Country of the Munchkins. Down at the South is the red Country of the Quadlings, and here, in the West, the yellow Country of the Winkies. ~ L. Frank Baum

What shall we give her?" Trot shook her head in despair. "I've tried to think and I can't," she declared. "It's the same way with me," said Dorothy. "I know one thing that 'ud ~ L. Frank Baum

It is the Law that while Evil, unopposed, may accomplish terrible deeds, the power of Good can never be overthrown when opposed to Evil ... ~ L. Frank Baum

Neither. He's a - a - a meat dog. ~ L. Frank Baum

A curious thing about Ugu the Shoemaker was that he didn't suspect in the least that he was wicked. He wanted to be powerful and great, and he hoped to make himself master of all the Land of Oz that he might compel everyone in that fairy country to obey him, His ambition blinded him to the rights of others, and he imagined anyone else would act just as he did if anyone else happened to be as clever as himself. ~ L. Frank Baum

Please make yourselves at home here for a few minutes, while I attend to an errand," said the Nome King, getting up from the throne. "I shall return pretty soon, when I hope to find you pieceful - ha, ha, ha! - that's a joke you can't appreciate now but will later. Be pieceful - that's the idea. Ho, ho, ho! How funny." Then he waddled from the cavern, closing the door behind him. ~ L. Frank Baum

You see, in this country are a number of youths who do not like to work, and the college is an excellent place for them. ~ L. Frank Baum

Do you think Oz could give me courage? asked the Cowardly Lion. ~ L. Frank Baum

Toto did not like this addition to the party at first. He smelled around the stuffed man as if he suspected there might be a nest ~ L. Frank Baum

24. Home Again Aunt ~ L. Frank Baum

Mr. Smith was an art-ist, as well as an in-vent-or, and he paint-ed a pic-ture of a riv-er which was so nat-ur-al that, as he was reach-ing a-cross it to paint some flow-ers on the op-po-site bank, he fell in-to the wa-ter and was drowned. ~ L. Frank Baum

The only way to do a thing Is do it when you can, And do it cheerfully, and sing And work and think and plan. The only real unhappy one Is he who dares to shirk; The only really happy one Is he who cares to work. ~ L. Frank Baum

But why fight at all, in that case?" asked the girl. "So I may die with a clear conscience," returned the Wizard, gravely. "It's every man's duty to do the best he knows how; and I'm going to do it. ~ L. Frank Baum

To please a child is a sweet and lovely thing that warms one's heart and brings its own reward. ~ L. Frank Baum

I shall take the heart," returned the Tin Woodman; "for brains do not make one happy, and happiness is the best thing in the world." (L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) ~ John Eldredge

You are both rich my friends ... And your riches are the only riches worth having, the riches of content. ~ L. Frank Baum

The throne belongs to whoever is able to take it. ~ L. Frank Baum

So the Woodman raised his axe, and as the Wildcat ran by he gave it a quick blow that cut the beast's head clean off from its body, and it rolled over at his feet in two pieces. ~ L. Frank Baum

An eastern contemporary, with a grain of wisdom in its wit, says that when the whites win a fight, it is a victory, and when the Indians win it, it is a massacre. ~ L. Frank Baum

I'll miss you most of all scarecrow. ~ L. Frank Baum

This is the way to get ideas: never to let adverse circumstances discourage you, but to believe there is a way out of every difficulty, which may be found by earnest though. ~ L. Frank Baum

What do you know?" "Well, that is hard to tell," replied Jack. "For although I feel that I know a tremendous lot, I am not yet aware how much there is in the world to find out about. It will take me a little time to discover whether I am very wise or very foolish. ~ L. Frank Baum

Unless one can think wisely it is better to remain a dummy. ~ L. Frank Baum

He sent for the Long-Eared Hearer and asked him to listen carefully and report what was going on in the big world. "It seems," said the Hearer, after listening for awhile, "that the women in America have clubs." "Are there spikes in them?" asked Ruggedo, yawning. "I cannot hear any spikes, Your Majesty," was the reply. "Then their clubs are not as good as my sceptre. What else do you hear?' "There's a war. "Bah! there's always a war. What else? ~ L. Frank Baum