The creative individual has the capacity to free himself from the web of social pressures in which the rest of us are caught. He is capable of questioning the assumptions that the rest of us accept. John W. Gardner acceptassumptioncapable Change image and share on social
If you don't give your kid freedom to make choices with money, including stupid choices, he'll make plenty when he gets to college. John W. Gardner choicecollegefreedom Change image and share on social
The cynic says, 'One man can't do anything.' I say, 'Only one man can do anything.' John W. Gardner cynicman Change image and share on social
One of the reasons people stop learning is that they become less and less willing to risk failure. John W. Gardner failurelearnpeople Change image and share on social
History never looks like history when you are living through it. John W. Gardner historylive Change image and share on social
Whoever I am, or whatever I am doing, some kind of excellence is within my reach. John W. Gardner excellencekindreach Change image and share on social
Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Very few have excellence thrust upon them. John W. Gardner excellencegreatnesspeople Change image and share on social
America's greatness has been the greatness of a free people who shared certain moral commitments. Freedom without moral commitment is aimless and promptly self-destructive. John W. Gardner aimlessamericacommitment Change image and share on social
Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants. John W. Gardner cuteducationflower Change image and share on social
The idea for which this nation stands will not survive if the highest goal free man can set themselves is an amiable mediocrity. Excellence implies striving for the highest standards in every phase of life. John W. Gardner amiableexcellencefree share on social