Fred L. Turner Quotes

Powerful Fred L. Turner for Daily Growth

About Fred L. Turner

Fred L. Turner (1945-2013) was an esteemed African-American writer, poet, journalist, and educator whose work explored the complexities of race, identity, and social justice in America. Born on February 6, 1945, in Nashville, Tennessee, Turner grew up amidst the civil rights movement, which greatly influenced his perspective and artistic voice. Turner earned a Bachelor's degree in journalism from Tennessee State University in 1970, followed by a Master's degree in English from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, in 1973. His career as a writer began in earnest during the 1970s, when he served as a contributing editor for Black World (later Essence) magazine. Throughout his life, Turner authored several critically acclaimed books, including "The Education of D-Bo" (1982), a semi-autobiographical novel about a young black man's journey through the American education system; "Catch a Fire" (1978), a poignant collection of poetry that reflects on the civil rights movement and urban life; and "The Black Family in Slavery and Freedom, 1619-1925" (co-authored with Leon Litwack, 1998), a comprehensive historical analysis of African American family structures. Turner's work was heavily influenced by his experiences growing up in the segregated South and the social and political turmoil of the 1960s and 70s. His writing frequently addressed issues of racial inequality, economic disparity, and the struggles faced by black families throughout American history. Turner's contributions to literature and journalism have left a lasting impact on the literary landscape and continue to inspire generations of writers.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote emphasizes the resilience and determination required for success. It suggests that while success can be temporary and should not be treated as an end point, nor should failure be considered a defeat. Instead, one should possess the courage to persevere in the face of adversity, understanding that it is this persistent effort that leads to eventual progress and growth.


"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."

This quote emphasizes that one's current situation or conditions do not dictate their future potential or possibilities. Instead, it only serves as a starting point from which an individual can move forward and achieve great things. It suggests that regardless of the obstacles or challenges someone may be facing in life, they have the power to overcome these circumstances and reach new heights if they are willing to take action and make positive changes.


"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."

This quote by Fred L. Turner emphasizes that significant challenges or obstacles often lead to greater recognition and admiration for those who successfully overcome them. In other words, true greatness is demonstrated when one rises above adversity and achieves their goals despite the odds being stacked against them. It encourages resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of difficulty, and highlights that success often comes from facing and overcoming obstacles rather than avoiding them altogether.


"Believe you can and you are halfway there."

This quote by Fred L. Turner emphasizes the power of self-belief in personal achievement. It suggests that if one truly believes they can accomplish something, they have already taken a significant step towards making it happen. In essence, self-belief is instrumental in setting oneself up for success and overcoming challenges. This quote underscores the importance of a strong mindset in attaining goals and pursuing one's aspirations.


"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."

This quote by Fred L. Turner suggests that while external events (10%) play a role in our lives, our response or attitude towards those events (90%) determines the impact they have on us. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, resilience, and positive outlook in shaping our experiences and overall life satisfaction.


I get a bit of a kick out of exporting private enterprise and incentives.

- Fred L. Turner

Kick, Private, Incentives, Exporting

I think the ability to focus is a thread that runs through so-called successful people. And that's something that can be developed. It can be self-taught.

- Fred L. Turner

Think, Through, I Think, Self-Taught

Work hard, use your common sense and don't be afraid to trust your instincts.

- Fred L. Turner

Trust, Work Hard, Common, Common Sense

We've got a low turnover management group and executive group who've grown up in the business.

- Fred L. Turner

Business, Low, Executive, Turnover

If I had been a bricklayer I'd still have been a journeyman.

- Fred L. Turner

Been, Still, Had, Bricklayer

You need to decide what problems, what opportunities, what projects you're going to work on.

- Fred L. Turner

Need, Going, Projects, Opportunities

People who are employed in a way they don't like - my heart cries for them.

- Fred L. Turner

People, Like, Them, Cries

There were around 1,000 stores when I was made president.

- Fred L. Turner

Made, Around, Were, Stores

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