Well, what is essential about you? And who are those…

Well, what is essential about you? And who are those who have helped you become the person that you are? Anyone who has ever graduated from a college, anyone who has ever been able to sustain a good work, has had at least one person and often many who have believed in him or her. We just don’t get to be competent human beings without a lot of different investments from others.

Sourced

Commencement Address at Dartmouth College June 9th, 2002 and Commencement Address at Middlebury College May, 2001

Other Fred Rogers Quotes

This is what I give. I give an expression of care every day to each child, to help him realize that he is unique. I end each program by saying, ‘You’ve made this day a special day by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you. And I like you just the way you are.’ And I feel that if we in public television can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service. - View Quote Details on This is what I give. I give an expression of…
Vermont is a small state which makes an enormous difference. - View Quote Details on Vermont is a small state which makes an enormous difference.
It’s not the honors and the prizes and the fancy outsides of life which ultimately nourish our souls. It’s the knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is good stuff. - View Quote Details on It’s not the honors and the prizes and the fancy…
You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable. And, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they’re loved and capable of loving. - View Quote Details on You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and…
If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person. - View Quote Details on If only you could sense how important you are to…
Justice is taking care of those who aren’t able to take care of themselves. - View Quote Details on Justice is taking care of those who aren’t able to…
It’s our insides that make us who we are, that allow us to dream and wonder and feel for others. That’s what’s essential. That’s what will always make the biggest difference in our world. - View Quote Details on It’s our insides that make us who we are, that…
What do you think it is that drives people to want far more than they could ever use or need? I frankly think it’s insecurity. How do we let the world know that the trappings of this life are not the things that are ultimately important for being accepted? - View Quote Details on What do you think it is that drives people to…
“I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when we look for what’s best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does; so in appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something truly sacred. - View Quote Details on “I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when…
When I say it’s you I like, I’m talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed.” - View Quote Details on When I say it’s you I like, I’m talking about…