With optimism, you look upon the sunny side of things. People say, 'Studs, you're an optimist.' I never said I was an optimist. I have hope because what's the alternative to hope? Despair? If you have despair, you might as… — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
“It was in ’35—we had this campaign to raise a million tax dollars. In the town of Phillips, one evening, during a blizzard, I… — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
I read somewhere that when a person takes part in community action, his health improves. Something happens to him or to her biologically. It's… — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
I never drove a car. I'm hopeless that way. I press the wrong buttons on the tape recorder. But if the person I'm interviewing… — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
To survive the day is triumph enough for the walking wounded among the great many of us. — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
“I’ll never forget that Depression Easter Sunday. Our son was four years old. I bought ten or fifteen cents’ worth of eggs. You didn’t… — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
All you need in life is truth and beauty and you can find both at the Public Library. — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
Reading a book should not be a passive exercise, but rather a raucous conversation. — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
“The total cost of the Federal Arts Project was only $23 million. Many of these paintings, sculptures and prints were given to museums, courthouses,… — Studs Terkel Copy Share Image
