Wangari Maathai Quotes

There was so much that you could do, instead of looking for things that you couldn't do.

They say, 'Nothing can be done here!' I reply, 'I know no such word in the vocabulary I adopt!'

I don't like people being negative, whining, or moaning. If you're in a situation you're not in control of, just change.

My parents always used to tell us not to complain about things but do something about them, so 'Can't is not an option' was almost a way of life.

Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.

If you actively do something, it will stop making you feel like a victim and you'll start feeling like part of the solution, which is just a huge benefit to your body and your psyche.

The cynic says, 'One man can't do anything.' I say, 'Only one man can do anything.'

While others prayed for the good time coming, I worked for it.

All I can do is to try and make the future better.

You never, ever give up the chance to change things, ever, no matter how hard it is. If you're elected, and have got the opportunity to make a difference, you take it.

In difficult times, it's important to speak up. We cannot change the past, but we can impact the future.

I believe in not sitting down and taking it easy.

Hope can produce the finest and most permanent springs of action.

Action is hope. There is no hope without action.

Nothing's hopeless except never trying.

Complaining about your current position in life is worthless. Have a spine and do something about it instead.

There is no excuse for not trying.

If you are dissatisfied with they way things are, then you have got to resolve to change them.

You've just got to do the best that you can.

Men do not fail; they give up trying.

The time when you need to do something is when no one else is willing to do it, when people are saying it can't be done.

Regardless of the difficulties we may face individually, in our families, in our communities and in our nation, the old adage is still true - you can make excuses or you can make progress, but you cannot make both! The America I know doesn't make excuses.

I never get upset about what I read in the newspaper. I realize that every human being can make a difference in this world.

If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.

One has to take initiative in life to achieve what he or she wants.