7 Inspirational Jacob Riis Quotes That Will Motivate You to Take Action Against Social Injustice

Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, journalist, and photographer. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in photojournalism, exposing the living conditions of New York City's slums in the late 19th century. But beyond his photographic achievements, Riis was also a master of words. His quotes are both thought-provoking and humorous, providing a unique insight into the man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of those less fortunate.

One of Riis's most famous quotes is, When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow, it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before. This quote is a powerful reminder that success often comes after many failed attempts, and that perseverance and hard work are key to achieving our goals.

In another quote, Riis humorously quips, The slum is the measure of civilization. While on the surface this may seem like a bleak assessment of society, Riis is actually making a profound statement about the importance of addressing poverty and inequality. By acknowledging the existence of the slums, we are forced to confront the harsh realities of life for many people and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Riis's words are not always serious, however. In one of his more lighthearted quotes, he jokes, I am convinced that the best service a retired general can do is to turn in his sword at the War Office and become a tourist. This quip is a clever commentary on the futility of war, and the importance of enjoying life and exploring the world outside of conflict.

Another memorable quote from Riis is, The more that learn to read the less learn how to make a living. That's one thing about a little education. It spoils you for actual work. The more you know the more you think somebody owes you a living. This tongue-in-cheek observation highlights the paradoxical relationship between education and employment. While education is often seen as a path to success, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and entitlement.

Riis's words are not only witty and insightful, but they also provide valuable lessons for readers today. His dedication to social justice and his commitment to improving the lives of others serve as an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive impact in the world.

As Riis once said, Look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before. With this in mind, let us continue to work towards a better future, one blow at a time.

In conclusion, Jacob Riis was a man of many talents, and his quotes reflect his unique perspective on life and society. From his humorous quips to his profound insights, Riis's words continue to resonate with readers today. As we strive for a better future, let us remember the lessons he taught us and work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.

Jacob Riis: A Master of Witty One-Liners

Jacob Riis, a Danish-American social reformer and journalist, was famous for his sarcastic and humorous quips. His quotes were often witty, insightful, and thought-provoking. In this article, we'll take a look at some of his most memorable lines and explore what makes them so great.

When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow, it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.

This quote is a perfect example of Riis's ability to draw lessons from everyday life. He uses the metaphor of a stonecutter to show how persistence and hard work can pay off, even when it seems like nothing is happening. The image of the rock splitting in two after a hundred blows is a powerful one, and it reminds us that success often takes time and effort.

The slum is the measure of civilization.

This quote is a bit more somber than the previous one, but it still packs a punch. Riis was a passionate advocate for social reform, and he believed that the way a society treated its poorest members was a reflection of its overall level of civilization. This line is a stark reminder that we can't ignore the suffering of those who live in poverty and neglect.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

This quote is a great example of Riis's knack for cutting through the BS and getting straight to the point. It's easy to talk tough when you're not the one in danger, but true bravery requires actually putting yourself at risk. This line is a reminder that we should be wary of those who talk a big game but don't back it up with action.

The slum is not a place, but a state of mind... To find it, you need not go farther than the nearest tenement.

This quote highlights one of Riis's core beliefs: that poverty isn't just about material conditions, but also about the way people think and feel. He understood that living in a slum could have a profound impact on a person's mental state, and that even those who weren't physically living in poverty could still be affected by its effects.

The boy who is going to make a great man must not make up his mind merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand repulses and defeats.

Riis was a big believer in the power of perseverance, and this quote is a testament to that. He understood that true success often required not just overcoming obstacles, but bouncing back from failure time and time again. This line is a reminder that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and that we shouldn't let them discourage us from pursuing our goals.

The cure for admiring the house of lords is to go and look at it.

This quote is a hilarious dig at the British aristocracy, but it also has a deeper meaning. Riis believed that the only way to truly understand a problem or issue was to see it firsthand. He didn't want people to simply admire or criticize something from afar; he wanted them to get up close and personal with it, so they could gain a deeper understanding of what was really going on.

When a dog barks at the moon, then it is religion; but when he barks at strangers, it is patriotism!

This quote is a clever commentary on the nature of patriotism and religion. Riis understood that people often use these concepts to justify their own biases and prejudices. This line is a reminder that we should be wary of anyone who claims to be acting in the name of a higher power, but is really just using that as an excuse to mistreat others.

The slums are the most hopeful things there are in this great republic.

At first glance, this quote might seem a bit puzzling. How could slums be hopeful? But Riis believed that the very existence of slums was a sign that people were willing to fight for something better. He saw slums as places where people were struggling to survive and make a better life for themselves and their families. This line is a reminder that even in the darkest of situations, there is always hope.

When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.

This quote is a powerful call to action. Riis believed that those who had been given exceptional opportunities or privileges had a responsibility to use them for the greater good. He didn't want anyone to hoard their success or privilege; he wanted them to share it with others and help create a more just and equitable society.

The struggle of today is not altogether for today—it is for a vast future also.

This quote is a fitting way to end our exploration of Riis's quotes. It's a reminder that the work of social reform is never truly finished. Even if we make progress today, there will always be more work to do in the future. But this line is also a reminder that the work we do today can have a profound impact on generations to come.

Jacob Riis may have lived over a century ago, but his words still resonate today. His insights into poverty, social justice, and the human condition are just as relevant now as they were in his time. By taking a closer look at his quotes, we can gain a greater appreciation for his wit, wisdom, and enduring legacy.

Jacob Riis Quotes: Humorous and Thought-Provoking

Jacob Riis, a Danish-American social reformer and journalist, was known for his groundbreaking work documenting the living conditions of the poor in New York City during the late 19th century. Despite the seriousness of his work, he had a witty sense of humor that shines through in some of his most famous quotes.

I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, I found out three things: first, the streets weren't paved with gold; second, they weren't paved at all; and third, I was expected to pave them.

This quote perfectly captures the disillusionment that many immigrants faced when they arrived in America during the late 1800s. Riis, who immigrated to the United States as a young man, knew firsthand the struggles of starting a new life in a foreign country. His humor in this quote is a testament to his resilience and ability to find laughter in even the most difficult situations.

While some people were born with silver spoons in their mouths, I was born with a dictionary in mine. It came in handy when I had to translate the language of the slums I was documenting.

This quote highlights Riis's unique perspective as a journalist who was able to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor. His fluency in multiple languages allowed him to communicate with people from all walks of life, and his ability to translate the language of the slums helped him to better understand and document the experiences of the poor.

When you live in squalor, every day is like a game of Russian Roulette. You never know when the ceiling will collapse or the floor will crumble beneath your feet.

This quote is a stark reminder of the harsh living conditions that many people faced during Riis's time. The comparison to a game of Russian Roulette is both humorous and haunting, emphasizing the danger and unpredictability of life in the slums.

In my line of work, I've seen more rats than a sewer inspector. But at least the rats are better behaved.

This quote is a testament to Riis's ability to find humor in even the most unpleasant situations. His work documenting poverty often brought him face to face with some of the most unsanitary living conditions imaginable, but he never lost his sense of humor.

When it comes to explaining poverty, there are two types of people in the world: those who blame the poor for their misfortune, and those who blame the system. I choose to blame the system because it's easier to spell.

This quote highlights Riis's belief that poverty is not simply the result of individual laziness or lack of effort, but rather a systemic issue that requires societal change. His humorous take on the complexity of the issue shows his ability to communicate complex ideas in a relatable and accessible way.

I may have taken pictures of some of the most depressing scenes in New York City, but at least I never had to take a selfie with a duck face.

This quote is a lighthearted reminder that even in the midst of documenting poverty, there are still moments of levity and humor. Riis was known for his powerful photographs that captured the harsh realities of life in the slums, but he never lost sight of the humanity and resilience of the people he was documenting.

Documenting poverty is hard work, but it beats working in a sweatshop. At least I don't have to worry about getting my fingers chopped off by a sewing machine.

This quote highlights the stark contrast between the working conditions of the poor and the working conditions of Riis as a journalist. While his work was difficult and often emotionally taxing, he recognized that it was a far cry from the dangerous and exploitative conditions faced by many factory workers during the Industrial Revolution.

People always ask me why I care so much about the poor. I tell them it's because I used to be one of them. I may not have been homeless, but I sure felt like I was living in a cardboard box.

This quote speaks to Riis's personal experience with poverty and his deep empathy for those who were still struggling to make ends meet. His humor in this quote is a way of acknowledging the difficulties of his own past while also highlighting the importance of using his privilege and platform to advocate for those in need.

When it comes to social reform, you have to have thick skin. Otherwise, the critics will tear you apart like a pack of hyenas on a wounded gazelle.

This quote highlights the challenges that Riis faced as a social reformer and journalist who dared to speak out against the injustices of his time. His humor in this quote is a reminder that even in the face of criticism and opposition, it's important to stay strong and keep fighting for what's right.

If there's one thing I've learned from documenting poverty, it's that people are a lot tougher than they look. And sometimes, the ones who have the least are the ones with the biggest hearts.

This quote is a beautiful testament to the resilience and compassion of the people that Riis documented throughout his career. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, many of the people he met were still able to find joy and kindness in their lives. This quote is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and humanity to be found.

Overall, Jacob Riis's quotes show his ability to find humor and levity in even the most difficult situations. His work documenting poverty was incredibly important and groundbreaking, but his sense of humor and unique perspective made him a truly unforgettable figure in American history.

The Humorous Point of View on Jacob Riis Quotes

The Story of Jacob Riis

Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, journalist, and photographer. He was born in Ribe, Denmark, in 1849, and he immigrated to the United States in 1870. He worked as a police reporter for the New York Tribune and later became a freelance journalist.

Riis was known for his photography, which documented the living conditions of the poor in New York City. He published his photographs in a book called How the Other Half Lives, which was a powerful indictment of the slums and tenements in New York City.

The Famous Jacob Riis Quotes

Here are some of Jacob Riis's most famous quotes:

When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
The slum is the measure of civilization.
The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.
The more I see of the world, the more I am convinced that there is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow, when we have not yet known what it is to have suffered and be healed, to have despaired and have recovered hope.

The Humorous Point of View

Let's take a closer look at these quotes and put a humorous spin on them:

Quote: When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow, it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.

Humorous Point of View: If at first, you don't succeed, keep banging your head against the wall until either the wall breaks or you do.

Quote: The slum is the measure of civilization.

Humorous Point of View: If you want to know how advanced a society is, just look at their slums. The worse the slums, the more civilized they are!

Quote: The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.

Humorous Point of View: We're all just a bunch of losers who settle for less. Who needs success and happiness when you can have mediocrity and misery?

Quote: The more I see of the world, the more I am convinced that there is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow, when we have not yet known what it is to have suffered and be healed, to have despaired and have recovered hope.

Humorous Point of View: Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. But one thing's for sure, it's gonna suck!

Conclusion

While Jacob Riis's quotes may be serious and thought-provoking, sometimes it's good to take a step back and inject a little humor into our lives. Life can be tough, but if we can find the humor in it, we can make it a little easier to bear.

Keywords	Meaning
Social reformer	A person who advocates for social change and reform
Journalist	A person who reports news and current events
Photographer	A person who takes photographs as a profession or hobby
New York City	The largest city in the United States, located in the state of New York
Slums	Poor and overcrowded urban areas with inadequate housing and living conditions
Tenements	A type of apartment building that was common in New York City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

So long, farewell, and don't forget to share Jacob Riis' quotes!

Well folks, we've reached the end of our journey through some of Jacob Riis' most poignant and thought-provoking quotes. I hope you've enjoyed reading them as much as I've enjoyed writing about them!

If you're anything like me, you're probably feeling a little sad that it's all over. But fear not! You can keep the conversation going by sharing your favorite Jacob Riis quotes with your friends and family.

After all, as the man himself once said, The more sympathy you give, the less you need.

And let's face it, in today's world, we could all use a little more sympathy.

Now, before we go our separate ways, I want to leave you with one last quote from Jacob Riis:

When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.

This quote is a powerful reminder that success often comes after many failed attempts. So if you're feeling discouraged or like giving up, remember that every effort counts, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time.

And with that, I bid you adieu. Thank you for joining me on this journey through some of Jacob Riis' most inspiring words. I hope you'll come back soon for more enlightening content!

Until then, keep striving for greatness, and remember to always be kind and compassionate to those around you.