Carry On Quotes

“Whatever good work you do, whatever powerful, profound work—do it because it’s right or because it’s necessary. Do it to make change for the better. Do it because you know you must. Don’t do it for credit.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“We need to make books available to children so they can easily learn about the world, and they can follow their imaginations. Children who read maintain their sense of wonder and ask questions—necessary questions—that make us examine why things are the way they are.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“There’s a quote of Dr. King’s that I use from time to time, which I rephrase: “To be bold, to be creative, to never give up, and never to hate—for hate is too big a burden to bear. I have decided to love.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“When you burn down a building or topple a car, the violence drown out the injustice of what’s being done to you. It puts you on the same moral level as the people whose violence you are protesting. You’re no longer on the higher ground or plane. You make enemies of the people you need to win over to effect change.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“What can you do to get into good trouble? There is a light inside of you that will turn on when you get into good trouble. You will feel emboldened and freed. You will realize that unjust laws cannot stop you. These laws cannot stop the truth that is in your heart and soul.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“When you see something that is not the way it should be, don’t be afraid. Speak up, speak out, be courageous.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“Because I had long ago decided that I wasn’t going to be bound by the mental shackles of hate, anger, and discontent. Forgiveness is medicine for the mind, balm for the body, and healing for the heart.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“Destruction doesn’t work. Rioting isn’t a movement. We must be constructive and not destructive. Chaos is sowing more division and discord.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“During the 1960s, we protested with non-violent methods. There is something peaceful, cleansing, and wholesome about being orderly and not threatening.”
― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

“Whatever good work you do, whatever powerful, profound work-do it because it's right or because it's necessary. Do it to make change for the better. Do it because you know you must. Don't do it for credit.”
― John Lewis, Carry On Reflections for a New Generation

“When you see something that is not the way it should be, don't be afraid. Speak up, speak out, be courageous. It's a total commitment. No compromise. Just go for it.”
― John Lewis, Carry On Reflections for a New Generation

“What interests are you trying to protect?”
― John Lewis, Carry On Reflections for a New Generation

“But have faith that your good work will be a drop in the river that will eventually break the damn, ushering in a more peaceful world.”
― John Lewis, Carry On Reflections for a New Generation

“We cannot thrive as a democracy when justice is reserved for only those with means.”
― John Lewis, Carry On Reflections for a New Generation

“Courage can feel uncomfortable. Courage is not about being popular, it's about purpose.”
― John Lewis, Carry On Reflections for a New Generation