Today (May 16), Jim Henson – creator of the Muppets and the original voice & spirit behind Kermit, Ernie, Rowlf the Dog and numerous other beloved characters – passed away in 1990. I thought it might be fitting to share some of the wisdom of this man whose legacy still resonates with so many people today.
In the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about Jim Henson’s life and to gain a better sense of who he was as a person. While far from perfect, I am continually struck by how true to himself Jim was and, as a result, how this informed how he lived his life and ultimately how he impacted those around him.
These truths from Jim are both comforting and challenging to consider. While it may be easy to dismiss him as just a children’s entertainer, I would humbly submit that Jim Henson was actually a very thoughtful philosopher and teacher.
As evidence of this, I offer below a selection of quotes from Jim Henson that have resonated with me and which I feel impart valuable lessons that we can all learn from.
Figure things out for yourself
“I really didn’t know what I was doing. I’m sure that this was a good thing, because I learned as I tackled each problem. I think if you study – if you learn too much of what others have done – you may tend to take the same direction as everybody else.”
You are in the driver’s seat
“Most people, and particularly kids, don’t realize that they are in control of their lives and they’re the ones that are going to make the decisions and they’re the ones that are going to actually make it one way or the other.”
Children learn from what you do, not what you say
“The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
Believe in the goodness
“If our ‘message’ is anything, it’s a positive approach to life. That life is basically good. People are basically good.”
Lift others up
[Jim was speaking about puppeteer Edgar Bergen] “He left his world a happier place because he was here, and I think that’s about the finest thing a person can do with his life.”
Make a difference where you can
“At some point in my life, I decided, rightly or wrongly, that there are many situations in this life that I can’t do much about: acts of terrorism, feelings of nationalistic prejudice, cold war, etc. So what I should do is concentrate on situations that my energy can affect.”
Words to live by
This final quote comes from the letter Jim wrote to his children to be given to them after his passing. It was a touching note expressing his love for each of them and which ended with these words…
“Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It’s a good life, enjoy it.”
Amen.
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