10 Memorable Jimmy Carter Quotes for Living a Peaceful and Prosperous Life
The 39th president of the United States dedicated himself to community service and championed human rights throughout much of his life.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
From Cold War escalation to the Iran hostage crisis and rising energy prices at home, challenges confronted Jimmy Carter throughout his term as the 39th president of the United States. But Carter, a former peanut farmer from Georgia, faced them with strong beliefs in the value of human rights and the American spirit that have persisted long past his final day in the White House in 1981.
He remained an active voice in the political sphere and a champion of community service through his extensive involvement with Habitat for Humanity and the founding of The Carter Center in 1982 with his wife, Rosalynn. In 2002, he became one of only four U.S. presidents to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Carter died December 29 at age 100 after nearly two years in hospice care. Thursday marks a National Day of Mourning to honor his legacy. After a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral, he will be interred at his former home in Plains, Georgia, next to his late wife, Rosalynn. The events conclude six days worth of memorials to the former president.
These notable quotes by Jimmy Carter—from public and televised speeches, interviews, and books—illustrate Carter’s commitment to creating a more unified world and to leading a fulfilling life.
On Community Service
“I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need.”
From an interview with Habitat for Humanity
On Finding Purpose
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I’m free to choose that something. That something—the something that I’ve chosen—is my faith. My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”
As quoted by his niece Kim Fuller during a February 19, 2023, prayer service
On Human Rights
“The rule of law is a process rather than an end product. The desire for freedom and justice is a most powerful force in the lives of suffering people. We must recognize their plight, expose the human rights crimes, rescue victims from their oppressors, and let them join us in sharing the benefits of the rule of laws that provide justice and lives of quality and peace.”
From a 1990 address on the state of human rights
On Bipartisanship
“You learn a lot about a man when you run against him for president, and when you stand in his shoes, and assume the responsibilities that he has borne so well, and perhaps even more after you both lay down the burdens of high office and work together in a nonpartisan spirit of patriotism and service.”
Carter’s remarks at the funeral of former President Gerald Ford in 2007
On Gender Equality
“Yet although economic disparity is a great and growing problem, I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States.”
Excerpt from A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power by Jimmy Carter
On the Horror of War
“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.”
Carter’s 2002 Nobel Lecture
On Peacekeeping
“History teaches, perhaps, very few clear lessons. But, surely, one such lesson learned by the world at great cost is that aggression, unopposed, becomes a contagious disease.”
From a January 4, 1980, speech on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
On Overcoming Hardship
“Our American values are not luxuries, but necessities—not the salt in our bread but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad—greater even than the bounty of all our material blessings.”
President Jimmy Carter’s farewell address on January 14, 1981
On the Secret to His Marriage with Rosalynn Carter
“At the end of the day, we try to become reconciled and overcome all the differences that arose during the day. We also make up and give each other a kiss before we go to sleep.”
From a 2021 interview with PBS NewsHour
On the Future of the United States
“Sometimes, I’m fearful and, sometimes, I’m hopeful. But, overwhelmingly, I’m hopeful. I have confidence in the basic integrity of the American people.”
From a 2021 interview with PBS NewsHour
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
Jimmy Carter
Elvis Asked Richard Nixon to Be a Federal Agent
George Washington Was Almost Kidnapped in the Army
Hunter Biden and Other Presidential Problem Kids
