By habits of thrift and economy, by way of the industrial school and college, we are coming up. We are crawling up, working up, yea, bursting up-often through oppression, unjust discrimination and prejudice-but through them all we are coming up, and with proper habits, intelligence, and property, there is no power on earth than can permanently stay our progress.
Booker T. WashingtonThe highest test of the civilization of any race is in its willingness to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate.
Booker T. WashingtonI think I have learned that the best way to lift one's self up is to help someone else.
Booker T. WashingtonGreat men cultivate love and only little men cherish a spirit of hatred; assistance given to the weak makes the one who gives it strong; oppression of the unfortunate makes one weak.
Booker T. WashingtonStart where you are with what you have, knowing that what you have is plenty enough.
Booker T. WashingtonMost leaders spend time trying to get others to think highly of them, when instead they should try to get their people to think more highly of themselves. It's wonderful when the people believe in their leader. It's more wonderful when the leader believes in their people! You can't hold a man down without staying down with him.
Booker T. Washington