Sargent Shriver quotes

Sargent Shriver was a visionary American politician and activist who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation. As the driving force behind many historic initiatives, like the Peace Corps and the War on Poverty, Shriver dedicated his life to public service. With a deep commitment to social justice and human welfare, he championed education, healthcare, and equal rights for all. Shriver's tireless efforts and innovative approach left an indelible impact on society, earning him respect worldwide. Learn more about the inspiring legacy of Sargent Shriver and his contributions to creating a better future for generations to come.

It is well to be prepared for life as it is, but it is better to be prepared to make life better than it is.

- Sargent Shriver

I do not think that the educational program of our schools should be determined by what the community thinks it needs.

- Sargent Shriver

I hate goofballs.

- Sargent Shriver

If a young person has any idealism at all, it's strongest about the time he finishes college.

- Sargent Shriver

He who knows all things and believes nothing is damned.

- Sargent Shriver

Does politics have to be injected into everything?

- Sargent Shriver

I can remember at college, living on 30-cent meals.

- Sargent Shriver

I don't have to run the Peace Corps. I could live without seeing my picture in the newspapers and without being interviewed.

- Sargent Shriver

If education does not create a need for the best in life, then we are stuck in an undemocratic, rigid caste society.

- Sargent Shriver

Respect for another man's opinion is worthy. It is the realization that any opinion is valuable, for it is the sign of a rational being.

- Sargent Shriver

My parents had always preached the virtues of hard work. But hard work is one thing; economic struggle is another.

- Sargent Shriver

There is an alternative to war. It has been with us forever.

- Sargent Shriver

Joe Kennedy isn't in the habit of having incompetents around. I wouldn't have lasted three months if I didn't have some ability.

- Sargent Shriver

I don't think the Gallup Poll technique is going to be very helpful in determining the goals of our educational system.

- Sargent Shriver

It wouldn't kill me if I were never nominated or elected to anything.

- Sargent Shriver

The Peace Corps is guilty of enthusiasm and a crusading spirit. But we're not apologetic about it.

- Sargent Shriver

Racists are irrational and illogical in their attempts to justify their prejudices.

- Sargent Shriver

A line has to be drawn somewhere between what is essential and what is peripheral.

- Sargent Shriver

The Peace Corps would give thousands of young Americans a chance to see at first hand the conditions in remote areas of the world.

- Sargent Shriver

When Roosevelt came along, I approved of his program, generally. I figured an economic system should work for people, not vice versa.

- Sargent Shriver

Any idealist who tries to join the Peace Corps must realize he is not going to change the world overnight.

- Sargent Shriver

Racism cannot be cured solely by attacking some of the results it produces, like discrimination in housing or in education.

- Sargent Shriver

Just to travel is rather boring, but to travel with a purpose is educational and exciting.

- Sargent Shriver

We must treat the disease of racism. This means we must understand the disease.

- Sargent Shriver

One of the things Mr. Kennedy taught me was that in laying out a new project, you shouldn't try to cope with every little problem.

- Sargent Shriver

As far as I was concerned, the Depression was an ill wind that blew some good. If it hadn't occurred, my parents would have given me my college education. As it was, I had to scrabble for it.

- Sargent Shriver

In the Peace Corps, the volunteer must be a fully developed, mature person. He must not join to run abroad or escape problems.

- Sargent Shriver

Working in an underdeveloped land for two or three years, the volunteer will often find that his work is routine and full of frustration.

- Sargent Shriver

It is precisely our job as Catholics to speak the truth as plainly and precisely as we can.

- Sargent Shriver

My parents were second cousins. That is enough to explain all of my peculiarities.

- Sargent Shriver