I regard philanthropy as a tragic apology for wrong conditions under which human beings live.
Helen KellerI have often been asked, Do not people bore you? I do not understand quite what that means. I suppose the calls of the stupid and curious, especially of newspaper reporters, are always inopportune. I also dislike people who try to talk down to my understanding. They are like people who when walking with you try to shorten their steps to suit yours; the hypocrisy in both cases is equally exasperating.
Helen KellerLove is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same.
Helen KellerOptimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
Helen KellerWe need limitations and temptations to open our inner selves, dispel our ignorance, tear off disguises, throw down old idols, and destroy false standards. Only by such rude awakenings can we be led to dwell in a place where we are less cramped, less hindered by the ever-insistent External. Only then do we discover a new capacity and appreciation of goodness and beauty and truth.
Helen Keller