"We cannot improve on the system of government handed down to us by the founders of the Republic. There is no way to improve upon that. But what we can do is to find new ways to implement that system and realize our destiny."

Action

Create & Download Quote Graphic

Customize Image

1. Canvas Aspect Ratio

2. Palette Theme

Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Action as articulated by Barbara Jordan. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Action provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

Explore all Action quotes → Browse all wisdom by Barbara Jordan →

About Barbara Jordan

Barbara Charline Jordan was an American politician, attorney, and educator. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the first African American elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction, the first woman descendant of American slavery elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and one of the first two African Americans elected to the U.S. House from the former Confederacy since 1901, alongside Andrew Young of Georgia.

View all quotes by Barbara Jordan →
Editorial Integrity: Curated and fact-checked under our Editorial Standards to eliminate misattributions and preserve historical authenticity.
Learn about our methodology →

More by Barbara Jordan

"A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation."

— Barbara Jordan
Read more →

"Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power."

— Barbara Jordan
Read more →

"We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of America can one day be finally closed. We believe that."

— Barbara Jordan
Read more →

"What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance."

— Barbara Jordan
Read more →

More about Action

"You wake up in the morning and you look at your old spoon, and you say to yourself, 'Mick, it's time to get yourself a new spoon.' And you do."

— Mick Jagger
Read more →

"What we want to do is reform the welfare system in the way that Tony Blair talked about 13 years ago but never achieved - a system that was created for the days after the Second World War. That prize is now I think achievable."

— Iain Duncan Smith
Read more →

"I guess I really always wanted to act. When I was seven, I actually had the opportunity to come out to California. I've always really loved playing a part, playing a character and being someone else."

— Madison Davenport
Read more →

"I do use an electric violin. Actually, my regular electric violin, which I sometimes use, is by Ned Steinburger."

— Aleksey Igudesman
Read more →
Browse all Action quotes →