Skip to content

Carnegie Quote by Clarence Thomas

“I would walk into the Carnegie Library and I would see the pictures of Booker T. and pictures of Frederick Douglass and I would read. I would go into the Savannah Public Libraries in the stacks and see all of the newspapers from all over the country. Did I dream that I would be on the Supreme…” quote by Clarence Thomas
Download Open image
“I would walk into the Carnegie Library and I would see the pictures of Booker T. and pictures of Frederick Douglass and I would read. I would go into the Savannah Public Libraries in the stacks and see all of the newspapers from all over the country. Did I dream that I would be on the Supreme Court? No. But I dreamt that there was a world out there that was worth pursuing.”

Clarence Thomas

About This Quote

Source Speech: Commencement Address, 1995

Dreams of a just society inspire pursuit of knowledge and civic engagement despite humble origins.

In simple terms: Dreams drive pursuit of justice and learning.

Key Takeaway

Pursue education for societal betterment.

Themes

education justice aspiration

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

motivational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • library research
  • public service
  • community activism

Key Concepts

civic duty social mobility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you turn dreams into action?
  • What steps foster societal change?
A Different Perspective

Dreams may clash with systemic barriers.

4.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Clarence Thomas

Explore all 89 Clarence Thomas quotes

More Carnegie quotes

Browse all 123 Carnegie quotes