Top 10 Quotes by Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is a pioneering figure whose legacy spans science, space exploration, and education. She made history in 1992 as the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. A chemical engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut, Jemison’s career exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary knowledge. After her NASA service, she founded The Jemison Group, a technology consulting firm, and BioSentient Corporation, focusing on healthcare advancements. She continues to inspire through her advocacy for science literacy and as a passionate speaker on innovation and global health.
1. “The best way to make dreams come true is to wake up.”
This quote encapsulates Jemison’s proactive approach to life, emphasizing that achievement requires moving from imagination to deliberate, conscious action and effort.
2. “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
Jemison often shares this to encourage individuals, especially young women and minorities in STEM, to pursue their ambitions despite societal constraints or low expectations from others.
3. “Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life.”
She highlights the personal ownership of one’s intellectual and creative spirit, viewing these traits as fundamental to carving out a unique and fulfilling path.
4. “What we find is that if you have a goal that is very, very far out, and you approach it in little steps, you start to get there faster.”
This reflects her strategy for tackling grand challenges, like space travel, by breaking them down into manageable, incremental progressions.
5. “I want to make sure we use all our talent, not just 25 percent.”
Jemison stresses the critical need for diversity and inclusion in science and technology fields to fully harness human potential and drive comprehensive innovation.
6. “Science is very important to me, but I also like to stress that you have to be well-rounded.”
Drawing from her own experiences in dance and the arts, she advocates for a balanced life where the sciences and humanities enrich one another.
7. “The difference between science and the arts is not that they are different sides of the same coin… or even different parts of the same continuum, but rather, they are manifestations of the same thing.”
Here, she bridges the often-artificial divide between STEM and the arts, arguing they are interconnected expressions of human creativity and inquiry.
8. “People have to be prepared and trained for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented, to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.”
Jemison speaks to the necessity of future-ready education that fosters adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving world.
9. “You can hear other people’s wisdom, but you’ve got to re-evaluate the world for yourself.”
This quote champions independent thinking and the personal responsibility to question, analyze, and form one’s own understanding rather than passively accepting dogma.
10. “Greatness can be captured in one word: lifestyle. Greatness is not a singularity, but a constant. It is how you live your life.”
She defines sustained excellence not as a single achievement but as a habitual way of living, making consistent choices that align with one’s highest aspirations.
About Ian Khan
Ian Khan is a globally recognized futurist and bestselling author, renowned for his ability to demystify the future and guide organizations toward long-term success. His groundbreaking work includes the Amazon Prime series “The Futurist,” which explores how emerging technologies are reshaping our world. Ian’s influential voice has earned him a coveted spot on the Thinkers50 Radar list, identifying him as one of the management thinkers most likely to shape the future of business.
As an expert in Future Readiness and Digital Transformation, Ian helps businesses and leaders navigate the complexities of technologies like AI, blockchain, and the metaverse. His insights empower organizations to not only adapt to change but to become pioneers of innovation within their industries. With a proven track record of delivering impactful keynotes and strategic workshops, Ian translates complex technological trends into actionable strategies for growth and competitive advantage.
If you are looking to future-proof your organization, inspire your team with a clear vision of tomorrow, or leverage breakthrough technologies for transformative growth, Ian Khan is the speaker and advisor you need. Contact him today to discuss keynote speaking opportunities, Future Readiness workshops, strategic consulting on digital transformation, and engaging virtual or in-person sessions that will position you at the forefront of innovation.
