Jackie Robinson

This ain’t fun. But you watch me, I’ll get it done.

There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.

Above anything else, I hate to lose.

During my life, I have had a few nightmares which happened to me while I was wide awake.

No matter how much or how little I knew technically, I was able to get the best out of people I worked with.

I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.

The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet.

A friend is one who incessantly pays us the compliment of expecting from us all the virtues, and who can appreciate them in us. The friend asks no return but that his friend will religiously accept and wear and not disgrace his apotheosis of him. They cherish each other’s hopes. They are kind to each other’s dreams.

Opinions have vested interests just as men have.

I am reminded of the professor who, in his declining hours, was asked by his devoted pupils for his final counsel. He replied, ‘Verify your quotations.’

When you place yourself in a position to help another, you will discover your greater capabilities.

Only those who know the supremacy of the intellectual life can understand the grief of one who falls from that serene activity into the absorbing soul-wasting struggle with worldly annoyances.

The soul of God is poured into the world through the thoughts of men.

I know of no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose.

Many of the phenomena of Winter are suggestive of an inexpressible tenderness and fragile delicacy. We are accustomed to hear this king described as a rude and boisterous tyrant; but with the gentleness of a lover he adorns the tresses of Summer.

Always play like an underdog.

Nothing is ever done in this world until men are prepared to kill one another if it is not done.

Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.

It is a strange desire, to seek power and lose liberty, or to seek power over others and to lose power over a man’s self. The rising unto place is laborious, and by pains men come to greater pains, and it is sometimes base; and by indignities men come to dignities. The standing is slippery, and the regress is either a downfall or at least an eclipse, which is a melancholy thing.

Every artist was first an amateur.

Intellectual tasting of life will not supersede muscular activity.