Lyndon B. Johnson

Education is the key to opportunity in our society, and the equality of educational opportunity must be the birthright of every citizen.

Every child must be encouraged to get as much education as he has the ability to take. We want this not only for his sake — but for the future of our nation’s sake. Nothing matters more to the future of our country: not our military preparedness — for armed might is worthless if we lack the brainpower to build world peace; not our productive economy — for we cannot sustain growth without trained manpower; not our democratic system of government – for freedom is fragile if citizens are ignorant.

You do not examine legislation in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly administered.

We are now embarked on another venture to put the American dream to work in meeting the new demands of a new day. Once again we must start where men would improve their society have always known they must begin – with an educational system restudied, reinforced, and revitalized.

Each year more than 100,000 high school graduates, with proved ability, do not enter college because they cannot afford it. And if we cannot educate today’s youth, what will we do in 1970 when elementary enrollment will be 5 million greater than 1960? And high school enrollment will rise by 5 million. College enrollment will increase by more than 3 million.

We believe, that is, you and I, that education is not an expense. We believe it is an investment.

If you want truly to understand something, try to change it.

Accountability breeds responsibility.

Once you focus on your life’s objectives, you need to focus on your instructors to make sure they are qualified to teach you what you want to know. They should have already been where you want to go and have lived to tell about it.

All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

I urge people to learn from the mistakes of others.

Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.

Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

I have always said that everyone is in sales. Maybe you don’t hold the title of salesperson, but if the business you are in requires you to deal with people, you, my friend, are in sales.

The old rules are crumbling and nobody knows what the new rules are. So make up your own rules.

It’s easy to say no! when there’s a deeper yes! burning inside.

Difficulties break some men but make others.

Sometimes understanding other people’s problems is the key to finding opportunities.

It’s no longer a question of staying healthy. It’s a question of finding a sickness you like.

Procastination is not about not doing is about not doing and feeling crappy.

You are what you think about all day long.