Clara Barton

I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I go for anything new that might improve the past.

The patriot blood of my father was warm in my veins.

I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.

An institution or reform movement that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering, or diminishing the sum of happiness.

Everybody's business is nobody's business, and nobody's business is my business.

Economy prudence and a simple life are the sure masters of need and will often accomplish that which their opposites with a fortune at hand will fail to do.

Everybody's business is nobody's business and nobody's business is my business.

The door that nobody else will go in at seems always to swing open widely for me.

An institution or reform movement that is not selfish must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering or diminishing the sum of happiness. I suppose it is a philanthropic movement to try to reverse the process.

I have an almost complete disregard of precedent and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things always have been done. ... I defy the tyranny of precedent. I cannot afford the luxury of a closed mind. I go for anything new that might improve the past.

I may be compelled to face danger but never fear it and while our soldiers can stand and fight I can stand and feed and nurse them.