Booker T. Washington

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Success is measured by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed.

   Washington, born enslaved, measured a life by distance traveled, not by where it ended. A hard start makes the climb count for more. Judge yourself and others by the climb.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 2, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

2. Cast down your bucket where you are.

   In Washington's parable a ship dying of thirst learns it is floating in fresh water. What you need is often right under you. Start with what is at hand.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 14, the Atlanta Exposition Address, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

3. There is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.

   Washington refused to rank honest work by prestige. The farmer and the poet both serve. Do your work with pride, whatever it is.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 14, the Atlanta Exposition Address, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

4. It is at the bottom of life we must begin, and not at the top.

   Nobody starts at the summit. Washington says skipping the bottom leaves you without a base. Take the first rung seriously.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 14, the Atlanta Exposition Address, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

5. Do not let your grievances overshadow your opportunities.

   Real wrongs deserve to be named, and Washington knew them firsthand. But staring only at them can hide the open doors. Keep one eye on the chance in front of you.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 14, the Atlanta Exposition Address, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

6. Great men cultivate love. Only little men cherish hatred.

   Washington learned this from his teacher General Armstrong. Hatred shrinks the person who carries it. Grow love on purpose, and stay big.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 11, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

7. Help given to the weak makes the giver strong.

   Standing up for someone weaker is not charity; it builds you. Washington saw that oppression weakens the oppressor. Use your strength for others.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 11, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

8. No man shall narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.

   Washington faced plenty of people who gave him reason to hate. He refused, because hate would shrink him. Do not hand anyone that power over your soul.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 11, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

9. The happiest people are those who do the most for others.

   Washington noticed this in meeting people across the country. Service is a reliable route to joy, and selfishness a reliable route to misery. Want to feel better? Help someone.

   Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 14, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

10. Do something the world wants done and you will make your way.

    Washington believed useful skill opens doors prejudice tries to close. Be good at something people need. It speaks louder than any argument.

    Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 10, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)

11. Merit, no matter under what skin found, is in the long run recognized.

    Washington called this a great human law and a consolation for anyone held back unfairly. It may take longer than it should. Keep building the merit anyway.

    Up from Slavery (1901), ch. 2, Original English (Up from Slavery, 1901)