Motivational quotes

But afterward, when I was restored to my human heritage, Mildred and I grew into each other's hearts, so that we were content to go hand-in-hand wherever caprice led us, although she could not understand my finger language, nor I her childish prattle.

Keller recalls growing close to her sister Mildred despite their different ways of communicating.

Some one took it, and I was caught up and held close in the arms of her who had come to reveal all things to me, and, more than all things else, to love me.

Keller recalls her first meeting with Anne Sullivan and the embrace that began their relationship.

All the best of me belongs to her--there is not a talent, or an aspiration or a joy in me that has not been awakened by her loving touch.

Keller acknowledges the encouragement and affection of her teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Debarred from the great highways of knowledge, I was compelled to make the journey across country by unfrequented roads--that was all; and I knew that in college there were many bypaths where I could touch hands with girls who were thinking, loving and struggling like me.

Entering Radcliffe, Keller imagines a less conventional path to education and companionship with other students.

Their thoughtfulness has been more of a help and encouragement to me than they can ever know.

Keller thanks William Wade and E. E. Allen for obtaining accessible books and encouraging her through college.

I loved "Little Women" because it gave me a sense of kinship with girls and boys who could see and hear.

Keller explains how reading Alcott’s novel offered companionship and a sense of shared experience.

Then comes hope with a smile and whispers, "There is joy in self-forgetfulness." So I try to make the light in others' eyes my sun, the music in others' ears my symphony, the smile on others' lips my happiness.

After frankly describing her loneliness, Keller imagines hope speaking and finds connection in other people’s joy.

Those are red-letter days in our lives when we meet people who thrill us like a fine poem, people whose handshake is brimful of unspoken sympathy, and whose sweet, rich natures impart to our eager, impatient spirits a wonderful restfulness which, in its essence, is divine.

Keller recalls people whose unspoken sympathy brings restfulness to an anxious spirit.

When I find my work particularly difficult and discouraging, she writes me letters that make me feel glad and brave; for she is one of those from whom we learn that one painful duty fulfilled makes the next plainer and easier.

Keller describes how Mrs. Hutton’s encouraging letters sustain her during difficult work.

Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting-point for future power and triumph.

From Thought and Purpose, Allen's reflections on purposeful effort and inner life.

Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all, heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.

From Visions and Ideals, Allen's reflections on purposeful effort and inner life.

I didn’t mean to be rude, but it’s so comfortable to say all I think to you, and feel so safe and happy here.

Jo tells her mother that she feels safe enough with her to speak honestly.