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Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way

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An inspiring collection of thoughts to take with us on the paths we travel in life.

For all the roads we choose to travel, and even those we don't, Fred Rogers has an observation, a story, some insights to share. Whether you're facing graduation, a new job, a new baby, marriage, any change in your life--expected or not--the wisdom that Mister Rogers offers can contribute mightily to the grace with which you handle the change.

With sections titled Who You Are Right Now, Loving and Being Loved, and Guided Drift, Fred addresses the scope of human transitions. It all comes down to knowing we're valuable, and that we're worthy of that value. As Fred would say, "You don't have to be anything more than who you are right now."

In her foreword, Joanne Rogers shares the Fred she knew. With stories from their life together, the joys as well as the struggles, Joanne shows how Fred looked at life as a journey--with the ups and downs and in-betweens.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 2005

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About the author

Fred Rogers

121 books751 followers
Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,041 reviews2,966 followers
October 22, 2021

Life, itself, is a journey. We begin life as helpless, small, needy infants and learn as we continue on this journey. Hopefully along the way we gain some insights before we need them, and if not then hopefully we learn them through experience. This book is somewhat of a guidebook to this journey.

This is divided into three sections, with a very moving forward by his wife, Joanne, these sections are:

Who You Are Right Now

”We can’t be expected to leave the unhappy and angry parts of ourselves at the door before coming in. We all need to feel that we can bring the whole of ourselves to the people who care about us.”


Loving and Being Loved

This section includes several shorter thoughts, and one story that was about the Special Olympics that was especially moving, another story about a monestary on the topic of love and success.


Guided Drift

”I recently learned that in an average lifetime a person walks about sixty-five times around the world. I wonder where your steps will take you. I wonder how you’ll use the restof the miles you’re given.”

Inspiring words, thoughts, to guide us on our journey.



Published: 03 Sep 2019


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Hachette Books
Profile Image for Susan's Reviews.
1,238 reviews763 followers
July 1, 2019
This short book contains the thoughts and beliefs of one of televisions most loved children's entertainers, Fred Rogers.
Fred Rogers had a spiritual compass and a determination to effect change in children's television. He had been bullied as a child and from his difficult childhood, he took many lessons. The lesson he wished to impart in this short book was that we must all love ourselves, be kind to ourselves, give ourselves time to think through tough questions or situations, and to gather around us a network of supportive people. This is the formula for a happy life.
I highly recommend this heartwarming book of thoughts, from one of the world's kindest and caring persons: Fred Rogers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1 review
May 9, 2011
I've loved Mr. Rogers since I was a little girl. I knew; even when people around me were slamming and making fun of him; that he was the real deal.
I watched his television show religiously (even as I got older; a lot older!) because for 30 minutes I was in a place where just being "me" was not only okay, it was encouraged and accepted.
To this day, he's still my "go to" guy when I need to be nurtured and comforted.
A favorite quote:

"What's been important in my understanding of myself and others is the fact that each one
of us is so much more than any one thing. A sick child is much more than his or her sickness.
A person with a disability is much, much more than a handicap. A pediatrician is more than
a medical doctor. You're MUCH more than your job description or your age or your income or
your output."
Profile Image for Susan Beals.
40 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2012
Can you ever get too much of Mr Rogers? No. No you can't.

My favorite quote from this book:

"I believe that at the center of the universe there dwells a loving spirit who longs for all that's best in all of creation, a spirit who knows the great potential of each planet as well as each person, and little by little will love us into being more than we ever dreamed possible. That loving spirit would rather die than give up on any one of us."

I believe that Fred Rogers knew this spirit personally and was in fact that spirit's agent here on this planet, loving all of us with that same love that never gives up on us. Thanks to Fred Rogers I have a more concrete idea of what that kind of love looks like.
Profile Image for Brandon.
195 reviews
October 21, 2021
It's Mr. Rogers, man.

Quotes:
- "When people help us to feel good about who we are, they are really helping us to love the meaning of what we create in this life. It seems to me that the most essential element in the development of any creation must be love-a love that begins in the simple expressions of care for a little child, and, once received, goes on to mature into responsible feelings about ourselves and others." (p. 42)

- "All I can say is, it's worth the struggle to discover who you really are and how you, in your own way, can put life together as something that means a lot to you. It's a miracle when you finally discover whom you're best equipped to serve-and we're all equipped to serve in some way." (p. 57)

- "Our world hangs like a magnificent jewel in the vastness of space. Every one of us is a part of this jewel; and, in the perspective of infinity, our differences are infinitesimal. We are intimately related. May we never even pretend that we are not." (p. 74)

- "I trust that you'll feel good enough about yourself to do all you can to help the best of your wishes come true." (p. 134)
3 reviews
February 2, 2014
Well, Neighbor, This was an awesome book. I admit I started reading it thinking it would be amusing with some throwaway generic advice, but now after finishing I feel that Mr. Rogers has made an impact on my life. I also learned a few things about him I had no idea about; I was quite happily surprised when I learned he was a music composition major. Overall, the knowledge I have gained from this book is that we should all try to be a bit more like Mr. Rogers; we will be happier interperpersonally and intrapersonally.
On a related note, there is a powerful speech he gave to some branch of the government that basically saved public broadcasting from the chopping block. Google it. I was reminded of it when reading his philosophy on running a nonprofit and socIal responsibility in this book. Good stuff.
Profile Image for Taylor.
323 reviews15 followers
January 25, 2022
Loved it. Each quote is wonderful, but some of my top favorites are:

"There are three ways to ultimate success:
The first way is to be kind.
The second way is to be kind.
The third way is to be kind."

"I believe that appreciation is a holy thing--that when we look for what's best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we're doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we're participating in something sacred."

"You are a very special person. There is only one like you in the whole world. There's never been anyone exactly like you before, and there never will be again. Only you. And people can like you exactly as you are."
Profile Image for Rachel.
409 reviews16 followers
September 21, 2024
As one can expect from a short collection of quotes taken out of context, this was pretty disappointing. Each quote is an empty platitude included to make the reader feel like a stronger person. It's better to just read Fred Rogers' and not this. This would have made a better calendar than book.
Profile Image for Tara.
271 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2009
Several years ago I was driving down the freeway and saw a billboard. It was simple; an empty hanger, a pair of shoes, a phrase that read, "We'll miss you, Neighbor." Mister Rogers had just passed away, and I broke into tears. I'd always loved Mister Roger's Neighborhood as a child, and I felt like the simple billboard was such a sweet, tender goodbye.

That memory come back to me as I found this little book to listen to today. It was a short, 1 1/2 hour compilation of Fred Rogers beliefs. The ideas were presented in a choppy way, but the message was great. Although Fred Rogers isn't the narrator, portions of his singing and speeches are incorporated. It was an uplifting read.
Profile Image for Morris.
964 reviews174 followers
July 29, 2019
I chose to savor this collection a few pages a night and at least one of the quotes was relevant to my current state every time. I highly recommend this one for anyone needing gentle guidance, even if they don’t know it at the time (everyone).

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Colin.
183 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2017
A comforting, feel-good read with a few surprising gems. The best part is how well Fred Rogers's voice comes through his writing. Reading his words is like spending a little time with the embodiment of loving kindness.
Profile Image for Davina.
850 reviews14 followers
March 15, 2019
I'm not a spiritual person but I could probably be compelled to join the church of Fred Rogers. His brand of kindness and curiosity is so special and it was lovely to read this little collection of his thoughts and memories.
Profile Image for Laura (Book Scrounger).
770 reviews56 followers
April 10, 2017
This is a lovely little book of quotes by Fred Rogers. I loved that in this collection, he himself quotes Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "What is essential is invisible to the eye." That so well sums up Mr. Rogers' approach to so much of his insights--understanding that we have to acknowledge and learn to see truths about ourselves and others that are not immediately visible.

Patience, forgiveness, acceptance, perseverance, love, relationships--all these themes and more are explored here. The problem with quote books, of course, is that sometimes you want to go deeper (or broader). Too many pithy sayings in a row can make anyone appear more "guru-ish" than they probably actually are. But, when taken in small bites, it is a wonderful distillation of much of what he taught. I'm so grateful to have grown up during the time that Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was showing on PBS. I still have an awful lot to learn of these lessons, but that's why the reminders are so important.

Some favorites:

"I realize that it isn't very fashionable to talk about some things as being holy; nevertheless, if we ever want to rid ourselves of personal and corporate emptiness, brokenness, loneliness, and fear, we will have to allow ourselves room for that which we cannot see, hear, touch, or control."

"Anyone who has ever been able to sustain good work has had at least one person--and often many--who have believed in him or her. We just don't get to be competent human beings without a lot of different investments from others."

"The older I get, the more I come to understand that the things we possess can never bring us ultimate happiness. Contrary to what's implied in commercials, nothing we buy can ever take away our loneliness or fill our emptiness or heal our brokenness. You know yourself--way down deep--that what really matters is how we live this life with our neighbors (those who we happen to be with at the moment). That's what really matters. That's really all that matters."
Profile Image for Bree Ann Swaner.
66 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2022
My ultimate goal in life is to love as Fred Rogers did. I think if I read his books for the rest of my life I might get a tiny bit closer to the fantastic human that he is.
His ability to truly see others (their worth, their needs, their empty spaces that need filling) is pure magic.
Profile Image for Margaret.
168 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed reading this collection of thoughts and affirmations written by Mr. Rogers himself. A quick, uplifting read.
Profile Image for Brett.
758 reviews31 followers
May 13, 2012
This book, and the other two just like it that were collected from Roger's writings by his wife after his death, are like unexpected run-ins with an unusually generous and empathetic friend. It's hard to read them and not want to be a little better person yourself.

I'm not much of a sentimentalist, but you'd have to be very hard-hearted not to be touched by the simple yet profound quotations gathered up here. Though Rogers is dead, I hope these little books help keep his spirit alive.
Profile Image for Cathi.
1,053 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2011
You can joke all you want about Fred Rogers, but he was a great guy! I grew to appreciate him when we lived in Pittsburgh years ago, since that was his hometown. He was very talented and did a lot of great things in his lifetime. I appreciate his wife's comments, along with Mr. Rogers' snippits of wisdom.
270 reviews202 followers
August 11, 2007
More thoughts from Mr. Rogers's beautiful mind.
Profile Image for Diogenes Grief.
536 reviews
December 16, 2008
Fred Roger's Emersonian walk along the path of personal insight and observation. It's a heartfelt, quick, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Amy.
121 reviews
January 20, 2009
Wonderful messages from a kind, gentle man who always taught us to love our neighbors. Mr. Rogers is my hero!
Profile Image for Luanne.
40 reviews23 followers
March 11, 2010
I always had a special place in my heart for Mr. Rogers. He really had such a gentle spirt and knew who he was. This book was short and very sweet.
Profile Image for Marissa.
2,206 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2011
More quotes from Mr. Rogers, with a nice introduction by his wife. So sorry that he is gone - this is a nice return to his wonderful outlook and insights on life.
Profile Image for Sara.
584 reviews233 followers
January 29, 2017
There is so much to love about this man! And his collected wisdom is often very life-giving. This particular volume, however, is just is not impressive. His theology is a little bit strange.
Profile Image for John Maurer.
172 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2023
There sometimes will come a book where you read it just at the right moment in your life. This was one of those books for me. In the beginning of this year, I became inspired by Mister Rogers and his ideology. Ever since I read, “I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers” by Tim Madigan, I made it a mission to start looking at people and things with a new point of view. A better, more gentle point of view where being kind is not weak nor a strategy but a habit, goodness in others and yourself does exist and gratitude does indeed reciprocate. My entire perspective on life changed and it was because of this mindset that I found myself the happiest I’ve ever been. However, the beginning of this month, I started losing myself again; becoming resentful, angry, frustrated and envious. It happens to us all.

While only one hundred and seventy-one pages in length, “Life’s Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way” written by Fred Rogers himself, was just the book I needed to reaffirm my perspective and snap me back to where I was before. No matter if you knew him personally, watched him on television or read one of his books, his energy is infectious and something I want to bring into the new year and to keep generating the rest of my life. This book is filled with tidbits of knowledge and insights, powerful reminders such as: “It’s really easy to fall into the trap of believing that what we do is more important than what we are. Of course, it's the opposite that's true: What we are ultimately determines what we do!”

This book is incredibly uplifting and valuable that it won’t be the last time I read it. Most importantly, it makes you feel like Mister Rogers is speaking directly to you. As a friend. As a neighbor. Sometimes that’s just all we need. I cannot recommend it enough!

143 ❤️

“Try your best to make goodness attractive. That's one of the toughest assignments you'll ever be given.”
- Fred Rogers
Profile Image for Jessica.
793 reviews22 followers
July 27, 2019
More quotes to tuck away for later:

"Try your best to make goodness attractive. That's one of the toughest assignments you'll ever be given."

"There is much more to independence than learning to master new skills. One of the most important parts of independence is learning to form new relationships with other people."

"The receiving in life to me is one of the greatest gifts that we give another person. And it's very hard. Because when you give, you're in much greater control. But when you receive something-you're vulnerable."

"I don't think anyone can grow unless he's loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be."

"Each person in the world is a unique human being, and each has unique human potential. One of the important tasks of growing is the discovery of this uniqueness; the discovery of "who I am" in each of us- of "who I am" in relation to all those whom I meet."

"Here's a gift you may not have expected. It's a gift for you to give yourself. Sometime in your day today, try to turn off all the noises you can around you, and give yourself some "Quiet time". In the silence, let yourself think about something. Or if possible... thing about nothing."
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2019
What is essential is invisible to the eyes. So after a lot of sadness, I began a lifelong search for what is essential, what it is about my neighbor that doesn't meet the eye. .. There begins the wisdom of Mr. Rogers.

The red sweater, his careful way and the kind way Mr. Rogers spoke to everyone is what we remember of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. His wisdom on the value of all people is a lesson worth learning and the lesson of expressing your feelings in a healthy way is Mr. Roger's legacy.

This is a short book with wisdom snippets and a look into what made Mr. Rogers an icon today. Before the movie comes out, this is a great intro to the man known as Mr. Rogers.

A Special Thank you to Hachette Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Sue.
239 reviews14 followers
November 14, 2019
Instead of "all I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten", all I really need to know I learned from Mr. Rogers. Deep, universal truths of loving and being loved, and finding one's path of actualization are laid out in simple language. Life’s Journeys holds nuggets of hope, insight, and encouragement, ones you can read over and over so as to be reminded about what is really important in life.
"All I can say is, it’s worth the struggle to discover who you really are and how you, in your own way, can put life together as something that means a lot to you. It is a miracle when you finally discover whom you’re best equipped to serve—and we’re all equipped to serve in some way."
and...
"The older I get, the more I come to understand that the things we possess can never bring us ultimate happiness. Contrary to what’s implied in commercials, nothing we can buy can ever take away our loneliness or fill our emptiness or hear our brokenness. You know yourself—way down deep—that what really matters is how we live this life with our neighbors (those who we happen to be with at the moment). That’s what really matters. That’s really all that matters."
Profile Image for Nicole.
661 reviews41 followers
June 6, 2019
** I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. **

How can someone possibly say anything bad about Mr. Rogers? The layout of the book was a little choppy at times, but this was still a quick, enjoyable read with little tidbits of knowledge and advice from Mr. Rogers.

Here's a couple nuggets of wisdom from my favorite neighbor...

"I encourage you to look for the good where you are and embrace it."

"All we're ever asked to do in this life is to treat our neighbor-espeically our neighbor who is in need-exactly as we would hope to be treated ourself. That's our ultimate responsibility."

Profile Image for Brooke.
857 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2017
If you like Mr. Rogers, you will find many lovely thoughts about life in these pages. Miss him! (And he was never a navy seal, etc. etc.)

p 111 "I recently learned that in an average lifetime a person walks about 65 thousand miles. That's two and a half times around the world. I wonder where your steps will take you. I wonder how you'll use the rest of the miles you're given."

p 137 "try your best to make goodness attractive. That's one of the toughest asignments you'll ever be given."
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