Wilford A. Peterson

Wilferd A. Peterson (1900–1996) was an American author and motivational writer best known for short inspirational essays that circulated widely in mid-20th-century self-help and Christian devotional settings. His work, often shared in newsletters, church bulletins, and quotation collections, emphasized character, service, and everyday virtues. Peterson is frequently credited with popular pieces such as “The Art of Living” and “The Art of Being a Big Brother,” which present practical encouragement in a plain, aphoristic style. His name is sometimes misspelled as “Wilford” in reprints. Peterson’s enduring reputation rests largely on the continued quotation and republication of his brief, uplifting prose.