The longest view available. Several of these people were asked the same question decades earlier, and answered it differently.
55 people · 111 answers
Founder of The Vanguard Group, 1974
There's the world's work to be done, and there are never enough citizens with determined hearts, courageous character, intelligent minds, and idealistic souls to do it.
Recorded · Georgetown University / johncbogle.com · 2007
United States Senator from Arizona, 1987–2018; U.S. Representative 1983–1987; Republican nominee for President in 2008
Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender.
Recorded · CNN · 2018
39th President of the United States, 1977–1981; Governor of Georgia 1971–1975
War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children.
Recorded · The Nobel Foundation · 2002
War correspondent and author; Pulitzer Prize winner, 1989
I’m glad now I did it. It took up all my middle years. I started it in 1972, and I published it in 1988, and my middle years all went into it, but I am glad I put them into it.
Recorded · American Academy of Achievement · 2007
Poet, essayist and translator
I was not much taken by their poems, but I liked Leconte de Lisle’s translation of Homer, especially his Iliad, which brought me the classical world.
Recorded · The Paris Review, Issue 131, Summer 1994 · 1994
Chef and restaurateur
My training took seven years. I didn’t learn how to make sushi for the first three years. I only got two days off a month, and slept on the restaurant floor. But I loved the job.
Recorded · The Observer / The Guardian · 2025
President of Liberia, 2006–2018
My journey was supported by my many teachers and mentors who guided me to a world opened up by the enlightenment of higher education, and which led to my conviction that access to quality…
Recorded · The Nobel Foundation · 2011
Founder of Patagonia
I never wanted to be a businessman. I started as a craftsman, making climbing gear for my friends and myself, then got into apparel.
Recorded · Patagonia · 2022
Vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, 1978–2023
All my life, I've gone through life anticipating trouble. And here I am, well along on my eighty-fourth year, and like Epictetus, I've had a favored life.
Recorded · Speakola · 2007
Film director, photographer and installation artist
I come from the generation who were taught never to throw things out. I like the idea of hanging on to things and repairing items rather than discarding them.
Recorded · Eye For Film · 2018
Cardiothoracic surgeon; founder of the Texas Heart Institute
I don’t lead by force, I lead by example. And if I can, set a good example.
Recorded · American Academy of Achievement · 1991
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