A growing collection

Inspirations

The people who inspire me, and the words and stories they left us. The ones I keep coming back to, collected here one at a time.

I often reflect on inspiring people who I admire. These people aren’t perfect, they have their flaws, but there’s something about each of them that inspires me to be better. I hope they can be helpful to you too. If you click on their photos above it might take you somewhere surprising: some I’ve interviewed or written books about, some I’ve admired from afar, and some are fictional characters who I find in books I love. Wherever they may be, maybe they can inspire you the way they have me.

Their stories

“The only way I was going to start a non-profit is if we built a non-profit that I personally would feel comfortable giving to.”

Chase Adam

Peace Corps Volunteer, founder of Watsi

Read →

“I measure my success by how happy I am, not how big the business is or how much money I’ve made.”

Gary Vaynerchuk

Author of Crush It!

Read →

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Mary Oliver

Poet of attention and amazement

Read →

“…the bedrock of our very being is good stuff.”

Mister Rogers

Television neighbor to generations of kids

Read →

“Find the best in everybody.”

Randy Pausch

Professor, dad, and giver of the Last Lecture

Read →

“Well done is better than well said.”

Ben Franklin

Printer, scientist, statesman, humorist

Read →

“I would love to support you and your work.”

Brian Johnson

Philosopher and founder of PhilosophersNotes

Read →

More inspirations are on their way

New profiles join this shelf as they’re ready. In the meantime, their words live all over the site:

Coming 2027 The Daily Optimist

366 meditations on gratitude, kindness, and the people who inspire us — one true story or quote for every day of the year, from Hatherleigh Press.

Read a sample & get notified →

Follow along

One essay a week, every Saturday morning.