Jacob Riis Quotes: Inspirational Words of Wisdom

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Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer and photographer who is best known for his work in documenting the living conditions of the poor in New York City. His work was instrumental in bringing about social reform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Riis was a passionate advocate for the rights of the poor and his words of wisdom still resonate today.

Contents

  • Introduction
  • Quotes on Social Reform
  • Quotes on Poverty
  • Quotes on Education
  • Quotes on Equality
  • Quotes on Life
  • Conclusion

Introduction

Jacob Riis was born in Denmark in 1849 and immigrated to the United States in 1870. He was a passionate advocate for the rights of the poor and his work in documenting the living conditions of the poor in New York City was instrumental in bringing about social reform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His words of wisdom still resonate today.



Quotes on Social Reform

“When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.” Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, journalist, and photographer who dedicated his life to exposing the harsh living conditions of the poor in New York City during the late 19th century. His work inspired many people to take action and make positive changes in their communities.One of Jacob Riis' most famous quotes is 'When nothing seems to help, I go look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it - but all that had gone before.' This quote reminds us that perseverance is key when facing challenges or obstacles.Another inspiring quote from Jacob Riis is 'The slum is the measure of civilization.' This powerful statement highlights how we should judge our society based on how we treat our most vulnerable members. It encourages us to strive for equality and justice for all.In conclusion, Jacob Riis' words continue to inspire people today with their wisdom and insight into social issues. If you are looking for more inspirational quotes, check out Michael Sandel Quotes or listen to Listen To The Warm by Rod McKuen.

“When you put down the good things you ought to have done, and leave out the bad ones you did do—well, that’s Memoirs.”

Quotes on Poverty

“The poor man is not he who is without a cent, but he who is without a dream.”

“The worst form of poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”

Quotes on Education

“When we teach the poor, we offer them the only valuable thing they may possess—an education.”

“Education is the great equalizer of the conditions of men—the balance-wheel of the social machinery.”

Quotes on Equality

“The way to make the world better is to make the world better for all.”

“The law of justice should be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes.”

Quotes on Life

“When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”

“When you look at the world, the greatest truths are the simplest; so simple that they are easily overlooked.”

Conclusion

Jacob Riis was a passionate advocate for the rights of the poor and his words of wisdom still resonate today. His work in documenting the living conditions of the poor in New York City was instrumental in bringing about social reform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His quotes on social reform, poverty, education, equality, and life are still relevant today and serve as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights of the less fortunate.

List FAQ

  • Q: Who was Jacob Riis?
    A: Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer and photographer who is best known for his work in documenting the living conditions of the poor in New York City.
  • Q: What is Jacob Riis best known for?
    A: Jacob Riis is best known for his work in documenting the living conditions of the poor in New York City.
  • Q: What are some of Jacob Riis' quotes?
    A: Some of Jacob Riis' quotes include: 'When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it,' 'The poor man is not he who is without a cent, but he who is without a dream,' and 'When you look at the world, the greatest truths are the simplest; so simple that they are easily overlooked.'

Table

Name Birth Year Death Year
Jacob Riis 1849 1914

For more information about Jacob Riis and his quotes, please visit Biography.com , Goodreads.com , and BrainyQuote.com .