A few years ago, I co-authored a book with my friend Azim Jamal. It was The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All, and it turned into a surprise international bestseller, published in twelve countries and nine languages. 

Our goal in writing The Power of Giving was to promote giving in all its forms. And for the past 15 years, I’ve posted a daily motivational quote on our Power of Giving Facebook page. We’ve had tens of millions of shares and reached two billion people over that time.

All of us want and need to be inspired, so when I was asked to consider compiling a book of quotes on wisdom, nonprofits, and philanthropy, I jumped at the opportunity.

You might recognize some of the quotations. That’s good. You probably need to hear them again. I know I do. 

For instance, every time I read Margaret Mead’s “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have,” I’m re-inspired, although I might add the word “organized” between caring and people, if I could. 

We already know that words can heal, wound, or motivate. And much of the laughter in the world comes from the clever use of words. And, of course, cats and dogs. 

Putting words in the correct order at the right time has changed lives and history. “I have a dream.” “I love you.” “Grant me the serenity.” And, of course, “Get this party started.” 

As Tolstoy said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” So, pay close attention as you read the quotes. You can change yourself and, in the process, increase your impact in the world. 

Activism - 

"I’m against picketing but I don’t know how to show it." – Mitch Hedberg  

Anger – 

"Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." – Buddha  

Change – 

"If you want to make enemies, try to change something." – Woodrow Wilson 

Creativity – 

"You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." – Maya Angelou 

 Environment – 

"Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans." – Jacques Yves Cousteau 

Future – 

"Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia." – Charles Schulz

Get free shipping when you pre-order your copy of The Healthy Nonprofit using the discount code, HEALTHY.  

Harvey McKinnon is widely recognized as one of North America’s leading fundraising experts, Harvey is a highly rated international trainer who has taught fundraising to thousands of nonprofit staff at conferences around the world. His company, Harvey McKinnon Associates, has raised money for hundreds of nonprofits in Canada and the USA. He has served on the boards of many arts, environmental and international development nonprofits.