Helen Gurley Brown

Posted September 22, 2008, 8:55 pm



Helen Gurley Brown
Born February 18, 1922

Former secretary who worked her way up to become the iconic editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan; her semi-autobiographical book Sex and the Single Girl is often credited with being part of both the feminist and sexual revolutions.

After the Age of Seventy

• Remains the editor of all 58 of Cosmopolitan's international editions; sources inside the Hearst building say she still puts in long hours at the office every day.
• At Age 71 (1993), published The Late Show: A Semi Wild but Practical Guide for Women Over 50
  
• At Age 76 (1993), published The Writer's Rules: The Power of Positive Prose — How to Create It and Get It Published 
• At Age 80 (2008), named the 13th most powerful American over the age of 80 by Slate Magazine.

Quotes

• "Beauty can't amuse you, but brainwork — reading, writing, thinking — can."
• "People think chutzpah is in the genes. It isn’t…it’s in the needing and wanting and being willing to fall on your face. It isn't fun…who wants all that rejection, but life is sweeter if you make yourself do uncomfortable things."
• "The flirt reacts. She laughs at the jokes, clucks at the sad parts, applauds bravery. I really think it gets easier to flirt as you get older because you learn to listen to any man, employing the same charm and rapt attention you once reserved for seven-year-olds."
• "Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort."

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