Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
Condoleezza RiceRead
When I talk to students - and I still think of myself more than anything as a kind of professor on leave - they say, 'Well, how do I get to do what you do?'... And I say, 'Well, you have to start out by being a failed piano major.' And my point to them is don't try to have a 10-year plan. Find the next thing that interests you and follow that.
Interpretation
Success often comes from unexpected paths, and it's important to pursue your interests rather than follow a rigid plan.
In this quote, Condoleezza Rice shares her perspective on the journey to success, emphasizing the importance of following one's interests rather than adhering to a strict, long-term plan. She reflects on her own experiences and suggests that many people may start on one path only to discover new passions that lead them to fulfilling careers. The essence of her message is to remain open to exploration and adaptability, as these qualities can ultimately lead to a more rewarding professional life.
In practice
Inspiring students during a commencement speech.
Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
I think my father thought I might be president of the United States. I think he would've been satisfied with secretary of state. I'm a foreign policy person and to have a chance to serve my country as the nation's chief diplomat at a time of peril and consequence, that was enough.
What the United States has done is to be open to people who are fleeing tyranny, who are fleeing danger, but we have done it in a very careful way that has worked for us.
For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.
Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same. If you are too attentive to the former, you will most certainly not do the hard work of securing the latter.
Does anybody think these people were just sitting around drinking tea?
To be the kind of writer you want to be, you must first be the kind of thinker you want to be.
I was 8 years old when I went across the street from my house to a fair, and they always had a used book sale. For a quarter I bought a book called 'Come On Seabiscuit.' I loved that book. It stayed with me all those years
Schools should take part in the great work of construction and organization that will have to be done.
A good teacher will appreciate the good qualities of his students. If one good quality is allowed to emerge, a world of good qualities will emerge from that one.
Nothing under the sun is greater than education. By educating one person and sending him into the society of his generation, we make a contribution extending a hundred generations to come.
The teacher who allows his scholars the freedom of the city of books is at liberty to be their guide, philosopher and friend; and is no longer the mere instrument of forcible intellectual feeding.
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