“Don’t ever forget two things I’m going to tell you. One, don’t believe everything that’s written about you. Two, don’t pick up too many checks.”
- February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948
- American
- Professional Baseball Player, Hall of Famer, Sports Icon
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Quote
“Don’t ever forget two things I’m going to tell you. One, don’t believe everything that’s written about you. Two, don’t pick up too many checks.”
Explanation
This quote offers Babe Ruth’s candid life advice, blending media savvy with financial common sense. The first point—“don’t believe everything that’s written about you”—reflects his awareness of public scrutiny and misinformation. As one of the first true media celebrities in sports, Ruth knew that fame came with distortion, exaggeration, and sometimes outright fabrication. He warns others to stay grounded and not let headlines define self-worth.
The second point—“don’t pick up too many checks”—adds a touch of humor, but carries a real lesson in financial boundaries. Ruth, who often enjoyed lavish meals and social outings, had firsthand experience with the pressures of generosity and the expectation that stars cover everyone’s tab. His advice is practical: protect your financial well-being, even amid success, and avoid becoming the constant provider for others at your own expense.
Together, the quote paints a picture of Ruth as both a seasoned public figure and a man who learned through experience. In today’s world of social media fame and financial pitfalls, his advice remains strikingly relevant: guard your identity from external narratives, and manage your generosity with wisdom. It’s a reminder that success is not just about talent—it’s also about navigating attention and expectations wisely.
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