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Sometimes
I ask myself if I have any other legacy to leave. Truly my worldly possessions are few.
Yet, my experiences have been rich. From them I have distilled principles and policies in
which I believe firmly, for they represent the meaning of my life's work. They are the
product of much sweat and sorrow. Perhaps, in them is something of value. Here, then, is
my legacy.
 | I leave you LOVE. Love builds.
It is positive and hopeful. It is more beneficial than hate. Love thy neighbor is a
precept which could transform the world if it were universally practiced.
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| I leave you with HOPE. Yesterday, our ancestors endured
degradation, yet they retained their dignity. Today, we direct our economic and political
strength toward winning a more abundant and secure life.
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| I leave you A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE . Knowledge is the prime need of the hour. More and more, we are
taking full advantage of hard won opportunities for learning. If we continue in this
trend, we will be able to rear increasing numbers of strong purposeful men and women
equipped with vision, mental clarity, health and education.
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| I leave you THE CHALLENGE OF DEVELOPING
CONFIDENCE IN ONE ANOTHER. We must spread out as fast and as far as we can but we must also
help each other as we go.
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| I leave you A RESPECT FOR THE USE OF POWER. We live in a world
which respects power above all things. Power intelligently directed, can lead to more
freedom. It has always been my first concern that power should be placed on the side of
human justice. We must select leader who are wise and courageous, and of great moral
stature and ability. We have great leaders among us today. We have had other great men and
women of the past: Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Mary Church Terrell.
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| I leave you FAITH. Without faith nothing is possible. With it,
nothing is impossible. Faith in God is the greatest power, but great too is faith in
oneself.
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| I leave you RACIAL DIGNITY. I want us to
maintain our human dignity at all costs. We must recognize that we are the custodians as
well as the heirs of a great civilization. We have given something to the world and for
this we are proud and fully conscious of our place in the total picture of mankind's
development. Despite many crushing burdens and handicaps, I have risen from the cotton
fields of South Carolina to found a college, administer it during its years of growth,
become a public servant in the government and country, and a leader of women.
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| I leave you
A DESIRE TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY with your one another.
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| I leave you, finally A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR
YOUNG PEOPLE. We have a powerful potential in our youth and we must have the courage to
change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.
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If I have a legacy to
leave my people, it is my philosophy of Living and Serving. As I face
tomorrow, I am content. I think I have spent my life well. I pray now that my philosophy
may be helpful to those who share my
VISION OF A WORLD OF PEACE!!
Mary McLeod Bethune
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