All my growth and development led me to believe that if you really do the right thing, and if you play by the rules, and if you've got good enough, solid judgment and common sense, that you're going to be able to do whatever you want to do with your life.

We must exchange the philosophy of excuse -- what I am is beyond my control for the philosophy of responsibility.

I live a day at a time. Each day I look for a kernel of excitement. In the morning I say: "What is my exciting thing for today?" Then, I do the day. Don't ask me about tomorrow.

[After the end of her term in Congress, Barbara Jordan was recruited for a faculty position at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.] I thought, now what better thing could I do than to go there, ... to the University of Texas, to the LBJ School and help those young people become the bright leaders of government as Lyndon Johnson so wanted?

If we promise as public officials, we must deliver. If we as public officials propose, we must produce.

The citizens of America expect more. They deserve and they want more than a recital of problems.