"Life has two rules: #1 never quit, #2 always…

“Life has two rules: #1 never quit, #2 always remember rule #1” has been cited in print since at least 2000, when it was credited to American composer and bandleader Duke Ellington (1899-1974). There is no evidence that Ellington ever said it, or that the phrase was ever said during Ellington’s lifetime.

The inspirational saying has been printed on many posters.

Wikipedia: Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist and bandleader of jazz orchestras. His career spanned over 50 years, leading his orchestra from 1923 until death.

Google Books
Speaking of Science:
Notable Quotes on Science, Engineering, and the Environment
Edited by Jon Fripp, Michael Fripp, Deborah Fripp
Eagle Rock, VA: LLH Technology Pub,
2000
Pg. 202:
Life has two rules: Number 1, Never Quit! Number 2, always remember rule number 1 . — Duke Ellington

Google Books
The Millionaires’ Club:
How to Start and Run Your Own Investment Club—and Make Your Money Grow
By Carolyn M. Brown
New York, NY: Wiley
2000
Pg. 228:
Life has two rules: Number one, Never quit!; Number two, Always remember rule number one. — Duke Ellington

Google Books
Wake-up Calls
By Joan Lunden
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
2001
Pg. 52:
Life has two rules: number 1, Never quit!; number 2, Always remember rule number 1. — Duke Ellington

Twitter
D.M.Walters
‏@JAHBAMI
Life has two rules: number1, Never quit!; number 2, Always remember rule number 1…. I Am doing it and doing it… http://bit.ly/3w71ai
12:58 PM - 15 Oct 09

Twitter
YAAYYOULIFE
‏@TheYAAYYOULIFE
Life has two rules. Rule Number 1-NEVER QUIT! Rule Number 2- Always remember Rule Number 1-Duke Ellington http://fixyaface.blogspot.com
10:04 PM - 22 Mar 10