I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.
Madam C. J. WalkerRead
There is no royal flower strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it, for whatever success I have attained has been the result of much hard work and many sleepless nights.
Interpretation
Success is achieved through hard work and perseverance, not by luck or privilege.
Madam C. J. Walker emphasizes that there is no easy or privileged way to achieve success. Instead, it requires dedication, effort, and often sacrifices, highlighting her own journey marked by hard work and many sleepless nights to reach her goals. This serves as a reminder that diligence is essential for success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage students to work hard for their goals.
I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.
I have made it possible for many colored women to abandon the washtub for a more pleasant and profitable occupation.
Don't think that because you have to go down in the wash-tub that you are any less a lady!
The girls and women of our race must not be afraid to take hold of business endeavor and, by patient industry, close economy, determined effort and close application to business, wring success out of a number of business opportunities that lie at their very doors.
As I bent over the washboard and looked at my arms buried in soapsuds, I said to myself, 'What are you going to do when you grow old and your back gets stiff?' This set me to thinking, but with all my thinking I couldn't see how a poor washerwoman was going to better my condition.
I feel that I am in a business that is a credit to the womanhood of our race.
Results! Why, man, I have gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that won't work.
I just wanted to play tennis. It wasn't a job. It was an ambition. I knew I could make money at it. I was 18 - old enough to think I could do it, young enough not to consider the consequences.
I certainly wanted my name in lights. I wanted my name on a marquee. I wanted recognition on Broadway.
Success must include two things: the development of an individual to his utmost potentiality and a contribution of some kind to one's world.
I want to say to the people, if I am a star, the people made me a star. No studio, no person, but the people did.
Being criticized in the media is a good problem to have - most of the time. It means you're doing something that is at least interesting or cool or crazy enough to be noticed. It might not always feel good, but it's usually better than the alternative of obscurity.
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