More than 100 articles, poems and meditations written by Ward have been published in such magazines as Reader’s Digest, This Week, The Upper Room, Together, The Christian Advocate, The Adult Student, The Adult Teacher, The Christian Home, The Phi Delta Kappan, Science of Mind, The Methodist Layman, Sunshine, and Ideals.

His column Pertinent Proverbs has been featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and in numerous service club publications throughout the United States and abroad. He is one of the most frequently quoted writers in the pages of Quote, the international weekly digest for public speakers.

Born and reared in Louisiana, Ward entered the United States Army as a private in 1942 and rose to the rank of captain. Part of his four years of military service was spent in the Philippines.

A graduate of McMurry College, he received his master’s degree at Oklahoma State University. He worked toward the doctorate at the University of Texas and at North Texas State University. In 1962 Oklahoma City University honored him with the Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his professional achievement, literary contributions and service to others.

Ward served as Assistant to the President of Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth beginning in 1955. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he was for two years the Director of Methodist Men for the Central Texas Conference, and for four years he taught the 140-member Sigler Bible Class at Polytechnic Methodist Church, where he also served as Sunday School Superintendent and Church Lay Leader.

He was a professional member of Sigma Delta Chi, American College Public Relations Association, Religious Public Relations Council and Phi Delta Kappa. In Fort Worth he was on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations including Rotary, Red Cross and Boy Scouts of America.

His biography appears in Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in Public Relations, and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest. He was a member of the International Platform Association.

Also by William Arthur Ward: For This One Hour, Thoughts of a Christian Optimist, Prayer Is

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” -William Arthur Ward

Inspirational Quotes from William Arthur Ward

1. The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.

2. Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.

3. Friendship flourishes at the fountain of forgiveness.

4. Adversity cause some men to break; others to break records.

5. A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.

6. Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.

7. Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation.

8. Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.

9. When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

10. Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding.

11. Nothing limits achievement like small thinking; nothing expands possibilities like unleashed imagination.

12. A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful.

13. It is wise to direct your anger towards problems — not people; to focus your energies on answers — not excuses.

14. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.

15. Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn.

16. Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!