Jesse Jackson

Success needs no explanation. Failure does not have one that matters.

We've removed the ceiling above our dreams. There are no more impossible dreams.

Our dreams must be stronger than our memories. We must be pulled by our dreams, rater than pushed by our memories.

No one should negotiate their dreams. Dreams must be free to fly high. No government, no legislature, has a right to limit your dreams. You should never agree to surrender your dreams.

I was extended secret service protection during my presidential run in 1984, when I received the most death threats ever made toward a candidate.

A man who cannot be enticed by money or intimidated by the threat of jail or death has two of the strongest weapons that anyone has to offer.

A man must be willing to die for justice. Death is an inescapable reality and men die daily, but good deeds live forever.

On the political front, of course it's a zero-sum game. If it's all white males holding positions, you bring 10 women in, then it's, 'Women are coming!' Get 10 blacks and it's, 'Blacks are coming!' 'Hispanics are coming!' Zero-sum game. The seatmates might change but the chairs don't move. In the economy, the number of chairs can actually increase.

Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things.

Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy sweat will get you change.

Many kids come out of college, they have a credit card and a diploma. They don't know how to buy a house or a car or health insurance or life insurance. They do not know basic microeconomics.

Your children need your presence more than your presents.

I am not a perfect servant. I am a public servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet.

Today's students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains. If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it. They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude.