Zora Neale Hurston Quotes

This is what America is about when it comes to understanding that it is equal opportunity versus equal achievement. Each and every one of us has the opportunity for greatness in this country.

We must remind Americans that the promise of opportunity remains unbroken - that every person in this great nation can succeed through hard work, courage and personal responsibility.

No matter where you are from, no matter what your background is, no matter what your socioeconomic status is, every person can achieve his or her dreams.

The American dream, to me, means having the opportunity to achieve, because I don't think you should be guaranteed anything other than opportunity.

There are few things that define us as a country more distinctly than the idea of the American Dream. The idea that anyone can make it here through hard work and dedication. And that dream rests on giving people here a fair shot.

That is one of the reasons I oppose this whole Affirmative Action business. We are not supposed to be judged based on what our ancestors did or suffered. We are supposed to be judged as individuals, based on what we are able to achieve.

Fairness is not the end result, it's the opportunity. And everybody in America today has the opportunity to get ahead.

Nobody owes anybody a living, but everybody is entitled to a chance.

Are we a nation of guarantees or are we a nation of opportunities to achieve the American dream?

Freedom is the core of all human progress. It believes that nothing's given to us, but if you're willing to work hard. If you're willing to compete, the American dream is there for you.

I can't really speak to the other parts of the economy, but what I think is very true of the tech world is that it's easy for talented people - whatever their gender, age, or race - to rise up and succeed.

The essence of the conservative message should be we want a dynamic nation where anybody with nothing can achieve anything.

The modern world is a meritocracy where you earn your own luck, old school ties count for nothing, and inherited privilege can even lose a guy a clear parliamentary majority.

Everyone must have a shot at the American Dream.

What I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all - the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.

Everybody should have an equal chance - but they shouldn't have a flying start.

It is best for all to leave each man free to acquire property as fast as he can. Some will get wealthy. I don’t believe in a law to prevent a man from getting rich; it would do more harm than good. So while we do not propose any war upon capital, we do wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else.

Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions — it only guarantees equality of opportunity.

In a country where there is no privileged class, genius and industry may attain the highest honors.

America just works better when more people have a chance to live their dreams

Education levels the playing field, allowing everyone to compete.

I have lived the American Dream.

If there is a national, secular religion in the United States, it is the belief that America is the Land of Opportunity, that we are a meritocracy, that any kid, no matter who they are, or where they come from, can work hard and move up in the world: that their effort matters.

The American dream is you come here, you believe in democracy, you believe in the Constitution, you work hard, you can make it.

They don't call it the Italian Dream or the English Dream. In America, there is the American Dream. It was the first place to give people of any social background their dream. You can achieve anything.