Elizabeth Taylor on Life Love and Activism

Elizabeth Taylor was a lauded actress, a striking beauty, and dedicated philanthropist for HIV/AIDS, but she was also full of pearls of wisdom. Here are just a few nuggets of advice, philosophy, and observations from Taylor, who died Wednesday morning in Los Angeles at the age of 79. On Celebrities and Philanthropy Just giving the use of your name doesn't really mean anything. You have to be physically involved, be a participant, and show up and make yourself a part of the organization. There are so many AIDS hospices that I visit, and I get to find out directly from people who have AIDS what their needs are. It becomes much more personal if you're involved that way than just being on a political platform or speaking out. - In The Advocate, 1996 On Marriage My feeling about marriage at this moment in time is so sour that I would say to all, 'You're crazy!' But if you want to get married, get married. If you want to be stupid, go ahead, but I don't want to hear about any of your tears. - In The Advocate, 1996 On the Public Eye The ups and downs, the problems and stress, along with all the happiness, have given me optimism and hope because I am living proof of survival. I've come through things that would have felled an ox. On Weight When you're fat, the world is divided into two groups - people who bug you and people who leave you alone. The funny thing is, supporters and saboteurs exist in either camp. On Giving Back Give. Remember always to give. That is the thing that will make you grow. That is the thing that will give back to you all the rewards that there are. Don't do it for yourself, because then it becomes selfish. Because then it becomes about yourself...which is wrong. Giving is to give to God. Helping is to help others. Every breath you take today should be with someone else in mind. I love you. - On Twitter, July 22, 2010 On Friendship You find out who your real friends are when you're involved in a scandal. On Twitter and Social Networking I like the connection with fans and people who have been supportive of me. And I love the idea of real feedback and a two-way street, which is very, very modern. But sometimes I think we know too much about our idols and that spoils the dream. So, like all things, it is to be used with care! Yes, of course I'll follow you, love. -- In her final interview in Harper Bazaarwith Kim Kardashian, February 2011 On Success Success is a great deodorant. It takes away all your past smells. On Patience It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting.