"The world is full of stories, but the best ones are the ones you live."
H. A. Rey
On September 16, 1888, the American author and journalist H. A. Rey was born. Although H. A. Rey is best known for co-creating the beloved Curious George children’s books with his wife Margret Rey, a particularly fitting quote attributed to him is: "The world is full of stories, but the best ones are the ones you live."
H. A. Rey and his wife Margret fled Paris on bicycles just before the Nazis occupied the city during World War II, carrying the manuscript for the first Curious George book with them. Their escape and survival is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness that would later be echoed in the adventures of the mischievous and curious monkey they created.
This quote, "The world is full of stories, but the best ones are the ones you live," reflects Rey’s understanding of life as an adventure filled with personal experiences that are often more compelling than any fictional tale. It speaks to the idea that while stories in books can inspire and entertain, the most meaningful and enriching experiences are those we create through our own actions, choices, and journeys.
Rey’s life was indeed a story of courage, creativity, and perseverance. Born Hans Augusto Reyersbach in Hamburg, Germany, he later moved to Brazil, and then to Paris, where he met Margret. Their collaboration resulted in the creation of Curious George, a character who, much like his creators, embodies curiosity, the joy of exploration, and a knack for getting out of tricky situations.
The quote encourages us to be active participants in our own lives, to seek out experiences, and to live with curiosity and openness. In a world full of stories—whether in books, movies, or the lives of others—this quote reminds us that our own story is the most significant. It challenges us to view life as an adventure where we are both the author and the protagonist, capable of shaping our narrative through the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow.
This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of the Reys’ lives, as they had to navigate numerous challenges and uncertainties, including fleeing their home and starting anew in a foreign land. Their journey underscores the idea that life, with all its unpredictability, offers the richest stories when we embrace it fully and courageously.
In essence, Rey’s quote is a celebration of living fully and intentionally. It reminds us that while we can find inspiration in the stories of others, the most profound and satisfying narrative is the one we create through our own lived experiences. It’s a call to live boldly, to embrace curiosity, and to recognize that each of us has the power to craft a life story that is uniquely our own.