Anne Lamott is an acclaimed non-fiction writer and novelist. She is also a distinguished political activist, teacher, and public speaker.
Distinguished by their openness and self-deprecating humor, Lamott’s writings have touched subjects like alcoholism, depression, single-motherhood, and also Christianity. Her personal experiences have also inspired most of her works.
She is included among the list of the most influential activists in the US, and most of her political actions are rooted in progressive issues. In addition to being a political activist, Lamott is also a public speaker and is known to make numerous public appearances to openly express her thoughts and beliefs on matters close to her heart.
Here are some of the most powerful and memorable quotes from Anne Lamott that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even heal.
Fun fact: Anne once joked that she believes chocolate is a vegetable—because it comes from a bean.
Anne Lamott Quotes on Life
Life, with all its unpredictability, is one of Lamott’s favorite subjects. Her wit and warmth remind us to embrace the chaos, laugh at ourselves, and keep moving forward.
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
— Anne Lamott, Hallelujah Anyway
Lamott’s gentle humor helps us recognize the importance of rest—and reminds us that it’s okay to step back and reset.
You can get the monkey off your back, but the circus never leaves town.
— Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith
This quote reminds us that struggles may fade, but life’s challenges are ongoing. Lamott’s acceptance of life’s messiness is what makes her so relatable.
Anne Lamott Quotes on Creativity & Writing
As the author of Bird by Bird, Lamott has guided countless writers to face the blank page with courage (and honesty).
Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.
— Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Every writer, no matter how experienced, faces creative self-doubt. Lamott’s permission to write “shitty first drafts” liberates us to simply begin.
Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.
— Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Lamott dismantles the myth of perfect work—reminding us that creativity is messy, and that’s okay.
You don’t have to see where you’re going, you don’t have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three steps ahead.
— Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
This quote inspires creatives to trust the process—progress happens step by step, not all at once.
Anne Lamott Quotes on Faith & Hope
Lamott’s spiritual journey infuses her work with hope, honesty, and grace.
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.
— Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
Her words encourage us to persist, even when the way forward isn’t clear.
Grace means you’re in a different universe from where you had been stuck, when you had absolutely no way to get there on your own.
— Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith
Lamott speaks to the transformative power of faith, offering hope even in our hardest moments.
Anne Lamott Quotes on Self-Compassion & Recovery
As someone who has written openly about addiction and recovery, Lamott champions self-forgiveness and gentleness.
Forgiveness means it finally becomes unimportant that you hit back.
— Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
Her approach to recovery is rooted in kindness, honesty, and learning to let go.
Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.
— Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
This memorable analogy reminds us that holding onto resentment only harms ourselves.
Anne Lamott Quotes on Friendship & Connection
Anne Lamott’s friendships, both real and literary, are at the heart of her work.
Joy is the best makeup.
— Anne Lamott, Grace (Eventually)
Her quotes about connection are reminders that life is better when shared—with friends, family, or even strangers.
Laughter is carbonated holiness.
— Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith
With humor and heart, Lamott shows us that laughter is sacred and essential.
Anne’s Invitation to Keep Going
Anne Lamott’s quotes resonate because they’re real. Her wisdom doesn’t shy away from pain or messiness—instead, she invites us to embrace it all, with humor, honesty, and hope. Let these quotes encourage you to live bravely, love deeply, and show up for your own imperfect life—one “bird by bird.”
