We must exchange the philosophy of excuse—what I am is beyond my control—for the philosophy of responsibility.
—Barbara Jordan
Topics: Responsibility
Just remember the world is not a playground but a schoolroom? Life is not a holiday but an education? One eternal lesson for us all: to teach us how better we should love.
—Barbara Jordan
Topics: Love
How do we create a harmonious society out of so many kinds of people? The key is tolerance—the one value that is indispensable in creating community.
—Barbara Jordan
Topics: Tolerance
I live a day at a time. Each day I look for a kernel of excitement. In the morning I say: “What is my exciting thing for today?” Then, I do the day. Don’t ask me about tomorrow.
—Barbara Jordan
Topics: The Present, Excitement, Living
Education remains the key to both economic and political empowerment.
—Barbara Jordan
Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.
—Barbara Jordan
The stakes are too high for government to be a spectator sport.
—Barbara Jordan
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Langston Hughes American Poet, Writer
Duke Ellington American Musician
Jeannette Rankin American Politician
Gail Sheehy American Writer, Journalist
Ella Fitzgerald American Singer, Composer
Clare Boothe Luce American Playwright
Shirley Chisholm American Politician
Lyndon B. Johnson American Head of State
Vaclav Havel Czech Dramatist, Statesman
Margaret Chase Smith American Politician