Words of Wisdom

Nineteenth-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau

"I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."

—Henry David Thoreau
Walden, or Life in the Woods

Russian-born American philosopher and novelist Ayn Rand

“To me, there is only one form of human depravity - the man without a purpose."

—Ayn Rand
Atlas Shrugged

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, considered Germany’s greatest writer

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.”

—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Dr. Benjamin Mays, African-American minister, educator,
scholar and mentor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal.
The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach."

—Dr. Benjamin Mays

John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer

“To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness.”

—John Dewey

Mark Victor Hansen, American author, founder and
co-creator of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series.

“By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands—your own."

—Mark Victor Hansen