Ruth Simmons Quotes & Sayings

Fear of failure is the fuel of achievement. If you weren't afraid to fail, you probably wouldn't be highly motivated to work at the level that most of us have to work at to do well. — Ruth Simmons

It really pains me greatly to hear from graduate students that graduate education is a lower priority here. — Ruth Simmons

When ownership is local and national, and various stakeholders work together, program innovations have a greater chance to take root and survive. — Ruth Simmons

The humanities don't belong to some elitist group ... knowledge as a whole should be embraced. — Ruth Simmons

I came to understand the value of education, not just to enable me to make a good living, but to enable me to make a worthwhile life. — Ruth Simmons

The most important thing one can do for children is not accept the limitations they are so willing to impose on themselves. — Ruth Simmons

I was intent on doing something productive and on being everything my parents taught me to be. Their values were clear: do good work; don't ever get too big for your breeches; always be an authentic person; don't worry too much about being famous and rich because that doesn't amount to too much. — Ruth Simmons

If you are the kind of person who listens to conservative advice, you may do okay in life, but you probably won't ever be a fantastic leader. You have to take risks, and you also have to go against conventional wisdom, because conventional wisdom doesn't make for startling advances in society. — Ruth Simmons