Asks Quote by Van Jones
“There are some cities that are doing good stuff, but there aren't enough of them. If you don't fight for what you want, then you deserve what you get. And in politics, if you don't ask, you don't get at all.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2015, Van Jones on urban innovation
Good cities exist but are rare; proactive effort is needed to achieve desired outcomes and political gains.
In simple terms: Good cities are few; you must fight for what you want.
Key Takeaway
Actively pursue goals and engage politically.
Themes
civic engagement
urban development
political activism
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
motivational
political
When to use this quote
- community organizing
- local government
- grassroots campaigns
- personal advocacy
Key Concepts
Social change
agency
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you do to support positive change in your city?
- How do you balance personal effort with systemic constraints?
A Different Perspective
Not all effort guarantees success; systemic barriers may persist.
![“If [Donald] Trump throws 20 million off of health care, that's going to be - if he handles this badly - and it's very hard to handle it right, then that's a - a huge advantage in the mid-terms for us.” quote by Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4d/van-jones-984_advantage_if-donald-trump-throws-20-million-off-of_12893.jpg)
![“I learned more in those six months [ in the White House] than in the prior six years. I don't think that anybody who has had the privilege to serve the country at that level should walk out and behave like a crybaby. And I plan to continue to serve the country in other capacities.” quote by Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3dc/van-jones-984_behave_i-learned-more-in-those-six-months-in-th_27061.jpg)
![“[Donald Trump] is a horrible human being, but he ain't worse than Bull Connor. Fannie Lou loved Bull Connor and beat Bull Connor because she loved him.” quote by Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/def/van-jones-984_beats_donald-trump-is-a-horrible-human-being-b_54460.jpg)
