Caption: Helen Keller with her teacher and companion Anne Sullivan when Helen was 20 years old.
Today is the 120th birth anniversary of American social activist Helen Keller (June 27, 1880—June 1, 1968). On this occasion, we feature a special issue of inspirational quotations by Helen Keller.
When Helen Keller was 19 months old, an unidentified illness left her both deaf and blind. At age 7, she met her 20-year old, visually impaired teacher, Anne Sullivan. With the Anne’s tutelage, Helen learned to communicate, pursued formal education, and went on to achieve great things in her life. She was the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Keller went on to become a world-famous speaker and author, political and social activist, and advocate for people with disabilities.
I encourage you to read Helen Keller’s truly inspirational autobiographical account, “The Story Of My Life” (free download,) for how she communicated with others and her experiences of discovering the beauty of nature and the ways of the world.
“Life is either a Daring Adventure, or Nothing”
I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
It is a mistake always to contemplate the good and ignore the evil, because by making people neglectful it lets in disaster. There is a dangerous optimism of ignorance and indifference.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
I have found out that though the ways in which I can make myself useful are few, yet the work open to me is endless.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
To know the history of philosophy is to know that the highest thinkers of the ages, the seers of the tribes and the nations, have been optimists. The growth of philosophy is the story of man’s spiritual life.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
Every optimist moves along with progress and hastens it, while every pessimist would keep the worlds at a standstill. Pessimism kills the instinct that urges men to struggle against poverty, ignorance and crime, and dries up all the fountains of joy in the world.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
It all comes to this: the simplest way to be happy is to do good.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
Who shall dare let his incapacity for hope or goodness cast a shadow upon the courage of those who bear their burdens as if they were privileges?
—Helen Keller (American Author)
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.
—Helen Keller (American Author)
Most people measure their happiness in terms of physical pleasure and material possession.
—Helen Keller (American Author)