James Nesbitt Quotes

I believe strongly in the power of arts education to engage and empower young people.

The arts are the most uniquely suited to provide young people with critical-thinking skills, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration, empathy and tolerance and compassion, looking at the other point of views.

I think that I've learned to relax, and trust in and hire very talented people, and trust in their abilities a little more.

The best thing about being Children's Laureate has definitely been all the children and teens I've met.

Some movies you fall a step behind, and some you stay in the same place, make the same choices. And then sometimes there are people who know more than you but show you, and that's the maximum you can hope for - doing that with someone who says, 'I like you for what you are, and I want you to be in my picture.'

You can do anything if you set your mind to it. Look out for kids, help them dream and be inspired. We teach calculus in schools, but I believe the most important formula is courage plus dreams equals success.

My mom is an art teacher and is very much into the performing arts. What can I say? She is the female in my life and has guided me on how to act and conduct myself. A lot of my strength comes from her.

You never realise that you have an impact on people's lives. There are so many girls that go through so many problems and who come to me. I really try and take time to speak to as many people as possible.

A relationship with young people is very important to me. It's important to have a sense of what's going on in their world and not just in my own. So the opportunity teaching provides is a gift.

Some of these kids just don't plain know how good they are: how smart and how much they have to say. You can tell them. You can shine that light on them, one human interaction at a time.

Choose people who lift you up.

It's a great thing, for someone to feel that they can draw inspiration from you.

A group of us started a community center in Santa Monica. We've tried different programs, and three have worked really well. A poetry group. Once a week we visit Venice High and talk to girls at risk.

I still get very emotional when a girl - 13 or 14 - comes up to me and says, 'Your videos really helped me.'

The goal of my Foundation is to give young people a chance to better themselves and establish a base for a successful future.

My only self-confidence and satisfaction comes from the people that I do meet; I have fondness for people. I mean, I like to hug. And I also like to be hugged.

I want young people to look at me and go, 'Damn, I want to be like that brother. He sharp, he be on point. He represent black people.' I want to make the life of the mind sexy.

Role models really matter. It's hard to imagine yourself as something you don't see.

I've been blessed to spend time with young people and help encourage an environment where it's comfortable for them to be who they are. That's precious for children.

There are young people all over the country who don’t always have the helping hand, the second chance that I had.

It is only by introducing the young to great literature, drama and music, and to the excitement of great science that we open to them the possibilities that lie within the human spirit—enable them to see visions and dream dreams.

Youth theatre isn't just about a precocious child that wants to sing and dance in front of people. It's for everyone; it's about a community, it's about being supported by your peer group. You learn skills - not just acting but all the other sides - working in the TV, film, and theatre industry.

All of the things an arts education gives a young person enhance leadership skills and help raise grades.

I'm passionate about speaking out against bullying and speaking up for self-awareness with young people and body-image issues and self-esteem issues.

I love the idea that it doesn't take one person only to achieve your potential. It takes a village, it takes a community, a street, a teacher, a mother.