Life Lessons from TV Dad's

Honesty

"You're honest and expect others to be. That's a good philosophy, but don't always depend on it."
—Jim Anderson, "Father Knows Best"

Priorities

"All of you who do not have a job, raise your hands. And while you have your hands up, I want you to look down. Because for guys who aren't working, I'm seeing expensive sneakers."
—Cliff Huxtable

Humility

"You're never too old to do goofy stuff."
—Ward Cleaver

Work Ethic

"I want to share something with you: the three sentences that will get you through life. No. 1: 'Cover for me.' No. 2: 'Oh, good idea, boss.' No. 3: 'It was like that when I got here.''"
—Homer J. Simpson

Acceptance

"I ain't got no respect for no religion where the head guy claims he can't make no mistakes. Like he's — whaddya call it — inflammable."
—Archie Bunker

Leadership

"Those who want respect, give respect."
—Tony Soprano

Pragmatism

"If you can't fight 'em and they won't let you join 'em, best get out of the country."
—Pappy Maverick, "Maverick"

Love

"What would be love? Well, Rich, let's just say that one little part of love would be that you think more of what's good for the one you love than for yourself."
—Rob Petrie, "The Dick Van Dyke Show"

Respect

"When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he's getting might actually be fear. So I don't carry a gun because I don't want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I'd rather they respect me."
—Andy Taylor

Dedication

"If you're going to do something, you've got to give it all you've got."
Mike Brady