We can’t live true to our set of values unless American educational system is strong. I really believe that if we don’t get that right we will not compete because we won’t believe that our people can compete, and we’ll turn inward. We won’t lead. That will be bad for the world.
Differences can be a strength.
Self esteem comes from achievements. Not from lax standards and false praise.
Life is full of surprises and and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your next adventure-do it well, enjoy it-and then, not now, think about what comes next.
The essence of America – that which really unites us – is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion – it is an idea – and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.
In America, with education and hard work, it really does not matter where you came from; it matters only where you are going.
Every life is capable of greatness.
You know, I’ve never believed, in anything, that you had to have role models who looked like you to do something. If I’d been waiting for a black, female, soviet specialist role model, I’d be still waiting.
There’s no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service.
Education is of no value and talent is worthless – unless you have an unwavering aim. Never find yourself without a compass.
Your passion may be hard to spot, so keep an open mind and keep searching.
You have to have a strong sense of your values and a strong sense of who you are, because there are a lot of events and a lot of people who will pull you in this direction or that direction.
What you know today can affect what you do tomorrow, but not what you did yesterday.
When somebody underestimated me, it made me want to prove them wrong.
You will make a difference in the world, but not immediately. Your first obligation is to find something you like doing, because if you like doing it, you’ll do it well.
We’re in a new world. We’re in a world in which the possibility of terrorism, married up with technology, could make us very, very sorry that we didn’t act.
When I went off to college, I was expecting to be a concert musician. In music school I heard all of these kids who were just unbelievable. And I understand that you can be very, very good, but there’s something that separates very, very good from great, and I knew that I wasn’t great.
Every life is worthy and every life is capable of greatness. We have an obligation to make sure that opportunity for greatness is there.
Today’s headlines and history’s judgment are rarely the same. If you are too attentive to the former, you will most certainly not do the hard work of securing the latter.
Every good leader is part manager and every good manager is part leader.