Although “One fish / Two fish / Red fish / Blue fish” and “I do not like green eggs and ham. / I do not like them, Sam-I-am” may be some of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s most famous lines, all of his works continue to touch the hearts of children and adults alike for more than just their creative rhyming — along with colorful illustrations and catchy rhythms are poignant lessons best learned with the heart of a child. 

So, to celebrate the master rhymer’s birthday, March 2, and Read Across America Day, here are some of the best quotes from Dr. Seuss’s life and works.

Ability

”You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.”

— “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Individuality

“You were not born to just fit in.”

— Dr. Seuss

Identity

”A person’s a person, 
no matter how small.”

— “Horton Hears a Who”

Limits

”There’s no end
to the things you might know,
depending how far
beyond Zebra you go!”

— “On Beyond Zebra”

Experience

”You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.”

— “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

Living

“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient to living.”

— Dr. Seuss

Magic

”You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”

— Dr. Seuss

Change

“Unless someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.”

— “The Lorax”

Honesty

”You have to be smart
and keep watching their feet.
Because sometimes they stand
on their tiptoes and cheat.”

— “Happy Birthday to You!”

Books

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”Books for children have a greater potential for good or evil than any other form of literature on earth.”

— Dr. Seuss

Motivation

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 

— “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

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