The play of conflicting interests in a framework of shared purposes is the drama of a free society. It is a robust exercise, and often a noisy one. It is not for the faint-hearted, or the tidy-minded. John W. Gardner More Quotes by John W. Gardner More Quotes From John W. Gardner Some people seem to believe that for each problem there is a solution readily available - a solution that can be promptly achieved by passing a law and voting some money. I think of this as the vending machine concept of social change. Put a coin in the machine and out comes a piece of candy. If there is a social problem, pass a law and out comes a solution. John W. Gardner law believe thinking The best kept secret in America today is that people would rather work hard for something they believe in than live a life of aimless diversion. John W. Gardner hard-work life believe There is no learning without some difficulty and fumbling. If you want to keep on learning, you must keep on risking failure-all your life. John W. Gardner failure learning want Americans have always believed that-within the law-all kinds of people should be allowed to take the initiative in all kinds of activities. And out of that pluralism has come virtually all of our creativity. Freedom is real only to the extent that there are diverse alternatives. John W. Gardner creativity real science But if we believe what we profess concerning the worth of the individual, then the idea of individual development within a framework of ethical purpose must become our deepest concern, our national preoccupation, our passion, our obsession. We must think of education as relevant for everyone everywhere - at all ages and in all conditions of life. John W. Gardner passion life believe The idea for which this nation stands will not survive if the highest goal free man can set themselves is an amiable mediocrity. Excellence implies striving for the highest standards in every phase of life. John W. Gardner goal men ideas Storybook happiness involves every form of pleasant thumb-twiddling; true happiness involves the full use of one's powers and talents. John W. Gardner thumbs use happiness The first and last task of aleader is to keep hope alive. John W. Gardner alive tasks leadership An excellent plumber is infinitely more admirable than an incompetent philosopher. John W. Gardner philosopher education teacher Leaders come in many forms, with many styles and diverse qualities. There are quiet leaders and leaders one can hear in the next county. Some find strength in eloquence, some in judgment, some in courage. John W. Gardner style quality leadership All that we know about the interaction between leaders and constituents or followers tells us that communication and influence flow in both directions; and in that two-way communication, nonrational, nonverbal, and unconscious elements play their part. John W. Gardner communication play two The ablest and most effective leaders do not hold to a single style; they may be highly supportive in personal relations when that is needed, yet capable of a quick, authoritative decision when the situation requires it. John W. Gardner style leader decision One generalization that is supported both by research and experience is that effective two-way communication is essential to proper functioning of the leader-follower relationship. John W. Gardner communication leader two Renewal is not just innovation and change. It is also the process of bringing the results of change into line with our purposes. John W. Gardner innovation lines purpose In the United States, to an unprecedented degree, the individual's social role has come to be determined not by who he is but by what he can accomplish. John W. Gardner degrees united-states roles If our society continues at its present rate to become less livable as it becomes more affluent, we promise all to end up in sumptuous misery. John W. Gardner misery our-society promise We have to face the fact that most men and women out there are more stale than they know, more bored than they care to admit. John W. Gardner bored care men Mastery is not something that strikes in an instant, like a thunderbolt, but a gathering power that moves steadily through time, like weather. John W. Gardner education time moving Excellence implies striving for the highest standards in every phase of life. John W. Gardner phases mediocrity excellence In the artist's recreation of the world we are enabled to see the world. John W. Gardner recreation artist world
