“The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today” is a saying that has been printed on many images. The saying has been cited in print since at least 1903, when it was credited to Philistine, a publication edited to Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915).
“The best preparation for good work to-morrow is to do good work to-day. — FRA ELBERTUS” was published in Philistine in December 1903. (Earlier volumes do not appear to be digitized.) Elbert Hubbard is usually credited for the saying.
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today” was said by American author H. Jackson Brown Jr. in 1996.
Wikipedia: Elbert Hubbard
Elbert Green Hubbard (June 19, 1856 – May 7, 1915) was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. Raised in Hudson, Illinois, he had early success as a traveling salesman for the Larkin Soap Company. Presently Hubbard is known best as the founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, New York, an influential exponent of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Google Books
August 1903, Mahin’s Magazine (Chicago, IL), pp. 317-318:
The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work to-day; the best preparation for life in the hereafter is to live now.—Philistine.
Google Books
December 1903, The Philistine, pg. ?:
The best preparation for good work to-morrow is to do good work to-day. — FRA ELBERTUS.
Google Books
January 1904, The Philistine, pg. 32:
The best preparation for good work to-morrow is to do good work to-day. — FRA ELBERTUS.
6 March 1904, St. Paul (MN) Globe, pg. 37, col. 7:
The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.
Google Books
August 1910, The Fra: A Journal of Affirmation (Elbert Hubbard, editor and publisher), pg. 147, col. 1:
The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today; the best preparation for life in the hereafter is to live now.
Twitter
DrWael
@DrWael
The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.
“Elbert Hubbard”
7:48 PM - 9 Nov 2007
Twitter
Kristen Gilbert
@EvoCoach1
“The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.” -Elbert Hubbard #LifeLesson #Quotes
2:57 PM - 15 Aug 2018
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“Pleae lower the cost of living. I’m not built for OnlyFans” (4/19)
•“Please lower the gas prices. I’m not built for OnlyFans” (4/19)
•“Imagine having your own apartment and nobody ever comes over” (4/19)
•Entry in progress—BP18 (4/19)
•Entry in progress—BP17 (4/19)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik. These are the Cookies and Privacy Policies.