Mignon McLaughlin

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) was an American journalist and author, best known for her aphoristic collections The Neurotic's Notebook (1960) and The Second Neurotic's Notebook (1966). Her writing often explored human resilience and social observation, as reflected in the quote about courage that gets you from one moment to the next.

Quotes by Mignon McLaughlin

Quotes: 2

The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next. — Mignon McLaughlin

Enduring Life’s Challenges Through Everyday Courage

Ultimately, the courage that gets us from one moment to the next is a lifelong companion. It’s found in accepting change, managing setbacks, and cultivating hope for the future. Whether facing small annoyances or deep sorrows, recognizing the value of these incremental acts redefines heroism for us all. By honoring this humble, persistent courage, we equip ourselves to navigate life’s complexities—one moment, and then the next. [...]

Created on: 6/5/2025

Sense of humor is a major defense against troubles. — Mignon McLaughlin

The Protective Power of Humor Through Life’s Challenges

Throughout history, humor has been employed as a means of resilience. For example, soldiers during World War II were known to crack jokes in the trenches, using levity to survive the horrors of battle (see Paul Fussell’s ‘Wartime,’ 1989). In periods of great uncertainty, the sharing of amusing anecdotes or puns creates a sense of solidarity even amidst despair. [...]

Created on: 5/6/2025