“When I hear somebody sigh that ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” is a jocular line about life’s troubles that has been printed on many images. American journalist Sydney J. Harris (1917-1986) included the line in his newspaper column, “Strictly Personal,” on April 6, 1953, and later in the book, Strictly Personal (1953).
Wikipedia: Sydney J. Harris
Sydney J. Harris (September 14, 1917 – December 7, 1986) was an American journalist for the Chicago Daily News and, later, the Chicago Sun-Times. He wrote 11 books and his weekday column, “Strictly Personal,” was syndicated in approximately 200 newspapers throughout the United States and Canada.
6 April 1953, Newsday (Long Island, NY), “Strictly Personal” by Sydney J. Harris, pg. 35, col. 1:
When I hear somebody sigh that “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?”
Google Books
Strictly Personal
By Sydney J. Harris
Washington, DC: Henry Regnery Company
1953
Pg. 241:
When I hear somebody sigh that “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?”
Google Books
And I Quote:
The Definitive Collection of Quotes, Sayings, and Jokes for the Contemporary Speechmaker
By Ashton Applewhite, William R. Evans III and Andrew Frothingham
New York, NY: St, Martin’s Press
1992
Pg. 177:
When I hear somebody sigh, “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?” — Sydney J. Harris
Google Books
Inspiration for a Lifetime:
Words of Wisdom, Delight, and Possibility
By Allen Klein
Berkeley, CA: Viva Editions
2010
Pg. ?:
When I hear somebody sigh, “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?”
SYDNEY J. HARRIS
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When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’ - Syndey J Harris #Quotes
2:13 PM - 24 May 2017
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.
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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.
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