GL
George Leonard
67quotes
George Leonard
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Leonard was a renowned American author, editor, and journalist, known best for his work as the Editor-in-Chief of _Playboy_ magazine from 1958 to 1962. He also went by the pen name "Lionel Davidson" in some literary pursuits.
Birth and Death Dates
Leonard was born on August 14, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. His passing occurred on March 10, 2010 at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Leonard held American citizenship throughout his life, identifying as a journalist, author, editor, and historian by profession.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City during World War II influenced Leonard's perspectives on politics and society. He developed an early interest in writing and was particularly drawn to science fiction and adventure stories. After completing high school, he briefly attended Brooklyn College before dropping out to work as a copy clerk for a publishing house.
Major Accomplishments
Leonard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant colonel by the time of his discharge. He was also a dedicated editor at various magazines, including _Playboy_, where he contributed significantly to its growth and success under Hugh Hefner's leadership.
Notable Works or Actions
Leonard authored several influential works on spirituality, politics, and culture, among them "The Silent Pulse" (1966) and the "Essential Subversion: Notes from the Late Sixties" series. As a journalist and commentator, he was known for his insightful pieces on current events and human issues.
Impact and Legacy
Leonard's impact can be seen in multiple areas of public discourse. He played a pivotal role in shaping _Playboy_ magazine into an influential platform during its heyday. His work also ventured into spirituality and the human condition, fostering greater awareness and understanding of these topics among readers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Leonard's wide range of interests and expertise resulted in numerous publications on politics, culture, and personal growth. As a former editor at _Playboy_ magazine and an accomplished author, he helped shape the cultural landscape through his writing and editing work. His commitment to exploring complex issues has left a lasting impression on those who have read or been influenced by his work.
Quotes by George Leonard
"
Go for efficiency, elegance, and grace in your motions; avoid hasty shortcuts. Rather than thinking about getting the job finished and going on to something else, stay wholly focused on the moment, on the task at hand. Above all, don’t hurry. You might discover that by not hurrying you’ll finish the dishes sooner than would ordinarily be the case.
"
Dead seriousness. Without laughter, the rough and rocky places on the path might be too painful to bear. Humor not only lightens your load, it also broadens your perspective. To be deadly serious is to suffer tunnel vision. To be able to laugh at yourself clears the vision.
"
In the long run, the war against mastery, the path of patient, dedicated effort without attachment to immediate results, is a war that can’t be won.
"
Never marry a person,” psychologist Nathaniel Brandon tells his clients, “who is not a friend of your excitement.
"
Ultimately, nothing in this life is “commonplace,” nothing is “in between.” The threads that join your every act, your every thought, are infinite. All paths of mastery eventually merge.
"
Perhaps the greatest adventure of all is intimacy: the willingness to strip away one layer of reticence after another, and on certain occasions to live entirely in the moment, revealing everything and expecting nothing in return.
"
It would be truly foolish to let the decline of communism blind us to the long-term contradictions in a free market economy unrestrained by considerations of the environment and social justice, and driven by heedless consumerism, instant gratification, and the quick fix. Our dedication to growth at all costs puts us on a collision course with the environment. Our dedication to the illusion of endless climaxes puts us on a collision course with the human psyche.
"
Who knows how many potential Olympic medalists have turned away from sports because of youth-league coaches who preach that the purpose of life lies in beating the school on the other side of town, and that it doesn’t matter how you play the game, just so you win.
"
What a miracle it is, this gift of time! Little marks on paper, the children of consciousness, sent down to us through the years.
Showing 1 to 10 of 67 results