The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil. It is not for you to choose what he shall know what he shall do. It is chosen and foreordained, and he only holds the key to his own secret.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

— Andy Warhol

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!

— William Hutchison Murray

We have little choice but to move beyond quality and seek remarkable, connected, and new. Remarkable, as you've already figured out, demands initiative.

— Seth Godin

Well, Jack, we have taken the Macedonian, and your share of the prize, if we get her in safely, may be two hundred dollars; what will you do with it?” Stephen Decatur, commanding the frigate United States, North Atlantic, near the Azores Islands, 1812.“One hundred will go to my mother, sir, and the other I shall spend on schooling.” Jack Creamer, aged ten.

— Irvin Anthony

When eagles are silent, parrots begin to chatter.

— Winston S. Churchill

When you take the free will out of education, that turns it into schooling.

— John Taylor Gatto

Why Do Some People NOT Take Initiative?• They have a FEAR of. . . Rejection, looking stupid, failing, criticism, getting out of their comfort zone, or imposing on other people.• They are unmotivated or uninspired.• They get stuck in negativity, confusion, stress, or doubt.• They don’t want to upset the apple cart or the status quo.• They are lazy, disengaged, or indifferent.• They have LACK of. . . Energy, desire, confidence, self-esteem, skills, creativity, imagination, connections, resources, education.

— Susan C. Young

Years ago, my childhood friend Steve lost his father. Since Steve had left Tallahassee shortly after high school graduation, we had not seen each other for over a decade. Upon learning of his father’s funeral, I made plans to attend to "be there." After the service, I approached the family’s receiving line. When Steve saw me, he was stunned that I had made the effort to be there for him. We both cried as we hugged, and he said, “I can’t tell you what it means to me that you showed up.” Showing up sends a message that you are a devoted friend, a team player, a dedicated parent, an inspiring leader, a loyal mate, and more.

— Susan C. Young

You are essentially who you create yourself to be and all that occurs in your life is the result of your own making.

— Stephen Richards