The play of conflicting interests in a framework of shared purposes is the drama of a free society. It is a robust exercise, and often a noisy one. It is not for the faint-hearted, or the tidy-minded. — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
“We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
Tax reduction has an almost irresistible appeal to the politician, and it is no doubt also gratifying to the citizen. It means more dollars… — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
We get richer and richer in filthier and filthier communities until we reach a final state of affluent misery - crocus on a garbage… — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
At home we have lost the capacity to see what is before us. Travel shakes us out of our apathy, and we regain an… — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Few have excellence thrust upon them ... They achieve it. They do not achieve it unwittingly by… — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
Leaders come in many forms, with many styles and diverse qualities. There are quiet leaders and leaders one can hear in the next county.… — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
The ultimate goal of the educational system is to shift to the individual the burden of pursuing his education. — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
An excellent plumber is infinitely more admirable than an incompetent philosopher. — John W. Gardner Copy Share Image
