“I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon — if I can. I seek opportunity — not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations, and to face the world boldly and say, this I have done.”

Dean Alfange professor

Live Life
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Pass It On®

YOUR COMMENT

Note: All comments are reviewed before posting.

This is an amazing affirmation that reminds me to keep going and never quit‼️

Kheperū from Denver, June 4, 2024

I just heard this on a Les Brown youtube. Amazing quote. Came here to print out for my 14 yr old daughter who just finished As a man thinketh.

John from South Mississippi, November 10, 2021

Just heard this recited in a speach by Les Brown and had to rewind the audio so I could look up the text. Very Inspiring, I will have my 12 year old son learn this and commit to his memory

Denaya from Atlanta, October 27, 2021

very true i think. live for life with passion!

tommy from sf, August 8, 2021

I found a copy of this folded in my fathers wallet when he died. In hand writing it was followed by “with God’s help”

Mark Boland from Baton Rouge , April 26, 2021

I first heard this from Less Brown and I was so inspired. It challenged me and imbues fresh fire and zest in me to take responsibility for my personal growth and development. We need more of this in this our generation. Thank you so much for sharing

Matthew Anzagra from Ghana - WA, March 22, 2021

Love it

Tim from Lansing il, February 24, 2020

Awesome read. I read every day.

Anonymous, September 13, 2019

Gives me goose bumps every time I listen to this quote in a speech by les brown or reading it alone. Very powerful words and affirmations.

Keisha , July 4, 2019

When young, 10-11, I made a white poster board of this quote and hung it in my bedroom. We traveled a lot (Dad was Air Force Colonel) and the poster went everywhere I did, hung in every bedroom. I still have it along with three granddaughters.

Jim from North Carolina, June 13, 2019

this is amazing

BigBen from Lusaka Zambia , June 11, 2019

Thank you for sharing, love this the quote. I get goose bumps every time I played this part of his speech. Mind changing and life changing.

Anonymous, March 27, 2019

This has been my mantra for many years. Thank you for sharing

Gina Smith from TX, October 5, 2018

Thank you thank you. Yes Les has quoted this but recites it differently. He still manages however to capture the essence of the original. This is on it way to printed and very large, framed and hung in my office

Jason from United Kingdom, September 7, 2018

Thank you. Love this

Anonymous, July 3, 2018

very inspiring quote

Amos from Nrb, April 27, 2018

I completely agree with the anonymous person dated 1.30.18. This quote is powerful and life changing.

K. Turner from NC, February 12, 2018

I heard a recording of Les Brown say this and I had to look it up. Thank you for having it. It saves my life every time I hear or read it. I will now commit to memorizing it.

Anonymous, January 30, 2018

Here are some other inspiring quotes you might like.
Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul. #<Author:0x00007f02e5100b50>
LIVE YOUR DREAMS
Into each day, put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor! #<Author:0x00007f02e511e240>
HUMOR
You really can change the world if you care enough. #<Author:0x00007f02e511cd00>
CARING
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? #<Author:0x00007f02e511ba40>
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Let our hearts be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. #<Author:0x00007f02e511b400>
COMPASSION
A highly developed values system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost. #<Author:0x00007f02e511a140>
INSPIRATION
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees. #<Author:0x00007f02e5119b00>
APPRECIATING NATURE
The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime. #<Author:0x00007f02e5155010>
PULL TOGETHER
In this world, a good time to laugh is any time you can. #<Author:0x00007f02e51530d0>
LAUGHTER
Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure. #<Author:0x00007f02e5152a90>
HONESTY
A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face. #<Author:0x00007f02e51512d0>
FRIENDSHIP
When you get stronger everything in the world gets easier. Change yourself and you've changed everything. #<Author:0x00007f02e5150010>
FITNESS
What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows. #<Author:0x00007f02e516ed80>
RESPONSIBILITY
Truth never damages a cause that is just. #<Author:0x00007f02e516e100>
HONESTY
Pursue your passion, and everything else will fall into place. This is not being romantic. This is the highest order of pragmatism. #<Author:0x00007f02e516d480>
PASSION
Humility isn't denying your strengths; it's being honest about your weaknesses. #<Author:0x00007f02e516ce40>
HUMILITY
All Pass It On® Quotes

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