Frederick Douglass’ oratory skills were a powerful force, and his words carried weight whenever spoken. He escaped slavery and rose to prominence as an abolitionist and social reformer in the 19th century. Recognizing the crucial link between literacy and freedom, he taught himself to read and write, and used his words to advance the cause of liberty. This quote — from a speech Douglass gave to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the D.C. Emancipation Act, which freed enslaved people in America’s capital — references how the country was nearly torn apart during the Civil War amid the scourge of slavery, before that destructive force was abolished with the 13th Amendment in 1865. Douglass preached the wisdom in rejecting division, in order to ensure a healthier nation built upon “one country, one citizenship, and one liberty for all the people.”

Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s youngest prime minister in 150 years when she was sworn in at 37 years old in 2017. Since then, she has worked steadily on gender equality initiatives such as equal pay for women and paid parental leave, and comforted her country through times of crisis. The prime minister’s words here remind us that leaders make the most impact when they listen to the people around them, try to find common ground, and lift up those who need it most.

One of the most influential scientists in history, Isaac Newton laid the foundation for modern physics, invented the field of calculus, and developed the laws of motion and the theory of gravity. He was also a lifelong philosopher who asked and tried to answer many questions about the universe. Newton was committed to seeking out truths about the world we live in, and he concluded that regardless of the complexities of the universe, "Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things." 

In her popular 2013 book "Lean In," which shines a light on the importance of women in leadership positions, Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg presents the ideal attributes of a good leader. For Sandberg, there is nothing more valuable to an organization — be it a school, family, or Fortune 500 company — than when the people in positions of power can humble themselves enough to listen, learn, and digest new information.

With the 2016 film "Moonlight," Mahershala Ali became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar; he soon claimed another for "Green Book" in 2018. Ali forged his artistic path while attending St. Mary’s College of California on a basketball scholarship. To the surprise of those who saw him only as an athlete, during his senior year, he was cast in a play adapted from three Zora Neale Hurston stories. Ali started competing in poetry slams, and secured a California Shakespeare Festival apprenticeship and admission to New York University’s MFA program with performances of his original verses. In a 2019 interview, he reminds budding creatives to rise above people who try to define you, because no one else can tell you where you belong.