Sheryl Wudunn Quotes

Powerful Sheryl Wudunn for Daily Growth

About Sheryl Wudunn

Sheryl WuDunn is a renowned American journalist, author, and an advocate for gender equality. Born on October 24, 1956, in the United States to Taiwanese immigrants, she grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where her parents operated a laundry business. Her early life was marked by hardships, but these experiences instilled within her a strong sense of determination and resilience. WuDunn graduated from Cornell University with a degree in economics in 1978. She then joined The New York Times as a reporter in 1986, becoming the paper's first full-time Asian American journalist. Her tenure at The New York Times spanned over two decades, during which she reported extensively from China, covering the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, among other significant events. In 1993, WuDunn married Nicholas D. Kristof, another distinguished journalist for The New York Times. Together, they co-authored several influential books, including "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" (2009), which shed light on the struggles and achievements of women in developing countries. This work earned them the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2010. WuDunn's works are deeply influenced by her experiences and her commitment to social justice. Her books not only raise awareness about global issues but also inspire action towards positive change, particularly in the realm of gender equality. Aside from her writing career, WuDunn has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, such as serving on the board of directors for the Vital Voices Global Partnership, an organization dedicated to empowering women worldwide. Her life and work serve as a testament to the transformative power of journalism, advocacy, and perseverance.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world."

This quote by Sheryl WuDunn underscores the vast, unrealized potential that women represent globally. It suggests that women possess an abundance of untapped skills, knowledge, and talents that could significantly contribute to societal growth and development if given equal opportunities to participate in various fields. The statement serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and communities to invest in closing the gender gap, thereby unlocking this immense reservoir of talent for the betterment of all.


"The future will not belong to those who slander what has been achieved but to those who understand how it was achieved and who add their own understanding and skills to create something better."

The quote emphasizes that success in the future lies with those who appreciate, learn from, and build upon the achievements of the past, rather than those who criticize or diminish them. It suggests that progress is not merely about tearing down what already exists, but about understanding its origins and improving upon it through innovation and skill development. In essence, the quote encourages us to be constructive and forward-thinking in our pursuit of a better tomorrow.


"Change is an inside job. The more we understand ourselves, the less we are disturbed by the world."

This quote emphasizes that personal growth and self-awareness are fundamental to handling change effectively. By deeply understanding our own thoughts, emotions, and values, we become less reactive to external circumstances and more resilient in the face of change. Essentially, Sheryl WuDunn suggests that inner peace and stability come from within, and by knowing ourselves well, we can navigate the world with less disturbance.


"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." - Frederick Douglass (often quoted by Sheryl WuDunn)

This quote, attributed to Frederick Douglass and often used by Sheryl WuDunn, emphasizes the importance of assertiveness in achieving change or gaining power. It suggests that those in positions of power do not willingly give up their advantages without a strong challenge or demand from those seeking change. The message is clear: if one wishes to bring about progress or secure rights and privileges, they must demand it forcefully and persistently. This quote serves as a call-to-action for those who seek positive social change, encouraging them to make demands rather than waiting passively for power to be bestowed upon them.


"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."

This quote emphasizes that success is inherently linked with action and progress. Successful individuals don't just stand still, they actively pursue their goals and may make mistakes along the way, but they persevere and do not give up despite these setbacks. It suggests that persistence and resilience in the face of errors are crucial factors for achieving success.


If something is really outrageous, it doesn't matter if it is one culture, or another, it's outrageous.

- Sheryl WuDunn

Culture, Matter, Another, Outrageous

People want to be happy, so they don't want to feel as though they're mired in this world of ugliness. I think that if people can recognize that you can actually help and change that ugliness, then you'll feel a lot better about yourself as well, and that does create a certain amount of happiness.

- Sheryl WuDunn

Happy, I Think, Mired, Ugliness

If you economically empower a woman, she represents enormous opportunity that can actually be transformative not only for her family and for her community, but at the aggregate level for the economy.

- Sheryl WuDunn

Woman, Empower, Level, Transformative

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