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Quotes about responsibility

87 quotes from 73 people

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We have an obligation to make things beautiful. Not to leave the world uglier than we found it, not to empty the oceans, not to leave our problems for the next generation.
Neil Gaimanborn 1960Why our future depends on libraries, reading and daydreaming (2013)
- Beauty
The writer’s responsibility is to increase, develop our senses, expand our vision, heighten our awareness and enrich our articulateness.
Anaïs Nin1903–1977The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 5, as quoted in Moving to Antarctica: An Anthology of Women’s Writing (1975) by Margaret Kaminski
- Writing
When the history of our times is written, will we be remembered as the generation that turned our backs in a moment of global crisis or will it be recorded that we did the right thing?
Nelson Mandela1918–2013Nelson Mandela on Aids, 46664 Concert, Tromso, Norway (11 Jun 2005)
- History
Yes, I am my brother’s keeper. I am under a moral obligation to him that is inspired, not by any maudlin sentimentality, but by the higher duty I owe to myself.
Eugene V. Debs1855–1926The Issue (1908)
- Morality
None of us can be held responsible for the wrongs of our ancestors. But if today we choose not to do the right and necessary thing, that burden we own.
Nikole Hannah-Jonesborn 1976The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story (2021)
There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.
Franklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945Speech accepting renomination, Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia (27 June 1936)
- America
- History
You must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.
Edward VIII1894–1972Abdication broadcast (11 December 1936)
- Love
- Marriage
I declare before you all, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family, to which we all belong.
Elizabeth II1926–2022Broadcast on her 21st birthday, from Cape Town (21 April 1947)
- Leadership
There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part. You can’t even passively take part! And you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you’ve got to make it stop!
Mario Savio1942–1996Speech at Sproul Hall, University of California, Berkeley (2 December 1964)
- Freedom
Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves.
Abraham Lincoln1809–1865Lincoln’s Second Annual Message to Congress (1862)
- History
I ask you to be citizens. Citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character.
George W. Bushborn 1946George W. Bush’s First Inaugural Address (2001)
- America
If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.
Barack Obamaborn 1961Barack Obama’s Farewell Address (2017)
- Democracy
- Politics
Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power⁠—with our participation, and the choices we make.
Barack Obamaborn 1961Barack Obama’s Farewell Address (2017)
- Democracy
- Government
The time is out of joint. O cursed spite,
That ever I was born to set it right.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Hamlet (c. 1600), Act I, Scene V, spoken by HamletIn context
- Time
I wear the chain I forged in life
Charles Dickens1812–1870A Christmas Carol (1843), Stave IIn context