Face to face Quote by John Williams
““He was silent for a long time as he looked from face to face. He heard his voice issue flatly. "I have taught..." he said. He began again. "I have taught at this University for nearly forty years. I do not know what I would have done if I had not been a teacher. If I had not taught, I might have-" He paused, as if distracted. Then he said, with a finality, "I want to thank you all for letting me teach.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commencement Address, University, unspecified, unknown year
The speaker reflects on a lifelong teaching career, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to teach and acknowledging its central role in his identity.
In simple terms: He values teaching and thanks the audience for allowing him to do it.
Key Takeaway
Cherish and recognize the impact of your work.
Themes
gratitude
identity
career
reflection
Mood
reflective
appreciative
Type
commemorative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- graduation ceremonies
- faculty retirements
- career retrospectives
Key Concepts
teaching
purpose
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your profession shape your sense of self?
- What would you miss most if you stopped your work?
![“Gerber, who studied seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Ottoman court decisions, points to examples of Ottoman muftis (official jurists) who, despite being paid by the government, “did not hesitate to speak out against the government when [they] came face to face with an injustice.” quote by Mustafa Akyol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/790/mustafa-akyol-15064_face-to-face_gerber-who-studied-seventeenth-and-eight_22267.jpg)
