Thomas Jordan Jarvis Quotes

Powerful Thomas Jordan Jarvis for Daily Growth

About Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Thomas Jordan Jarvis (1867-1945) was an American author, poet, and educator who made significant contributions to African-American literature during the Harlem Renaissance era. Born on July 28, 1867, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was raised by his grandmother after being orphaned at a young age. The rich stories and folktales shared by his grandmother were pivotal influences in his literary career. Jarvis pursued higher education at Lincoln University, where he graduated with honors in 1890. He later obtained a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1897, becoming one of the first African Americans to earn a master's degree. After teaching for several years, Jarvis moved to Washington, D.C., and founded the Capital Normal School (later known as Miner Teachers College) in 1903, serving as its principal until his retirement in 1932. During the Harlem Renaissance, Jarvis's work gained renewed recognition. He is best known for his two poetry collections: "The Song of a Blackman" (1912) and "On Georgia Time" (1927). His poems are characterized by their powerful imagery, unique dialect, and celebration of African-American heritage. Jarvis's major works also include novels such as "Little Mother" (1904) and "The Old Familiar People" (1938), which explore the struggles and triumphs of rural African-American life in the South. Thomas Jordan Jarvis passed away on June 27, 1945, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary African-American literature. His contributions to education, poetry, and fiction helped shape the Harlem Renaissance and solidified his place as an essential figure in American literary history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

This quote emphasizes that life's true value lies not in its duration, as defined by the number of breaths taken, but rather in the extraordinary experiences, events, or moments that leave a profound impact, causing us to momentarily lose our breath due to their intensity or beauty. In other words, it suggests that living fully and meaningfully is about cherishing these exceptional moments over merely existing for a long time.

"Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking."

This quote by Thomas Jordan Jarvis encourages proactive action rather than passive waiting. The metaphor of heating an iron through striking implies that we should create opportunities for ourselves instead of simply reacting to them when they arise. In other words, take the initiative to make things happen and turn potential into reality.

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They keep striving."

This quote emphasizes that success is closely tied to active pursuit rather than passive waiting or idleness. It suggests that successful individuals are those who continuously work towards their goals, constantly pushing themselves forward and not being content with staying still. The key takeaway is that persistence, effort, and relentless striving lead to success in any endeavor.

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."

Thomas Jordan Jarvis suggests that actions speak louder than words when it comes to building a reputation. A promise or plan for future action holds no value until it is demonstrated through actual deeds. In other words, people judge you based on what you have already accomplished, not what you claim you will do in the future. This quote underscores the importance of following through on commitments and consistently delivering results to establish a positive reputation.

"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

This quote emphasizes that luck often follows hard work and dedication. It suggests that while some may attribute success to mere chance or good fortune (luck), those who are persistent in their efforts – by working diligently - are more likely to experience the rewards of their labor. The message is to focus on hard work, as it can significantly increase the chances of achieving desired outcomes and being "lucky" in life.

Men even contract the dirty, filthy habit of chewing tobacco, and when the habit gets a good hold upon them they are never satisfied except when they have a wad of the stuff in their mouth. So with drinking. It is largely a habit.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Good, Habit, Hold, Tobacco

We have seen the evil of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors in our midst; let us try prohibition and see what this will do for us.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Will, Seen, Our, Prohibition

It has worked great good in other communities in the state where it has been honestly and faithfully tried, and I feel confident it will do the same in Pitt, if we faithfully administer the law, and that it will bring gladness and joy into the homes of the people.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Confident, Other, Been, Gladness

The school-room sends men to the Legislature, to the bench, and the executive office. The bar-room sends them to the scaffold and hell.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Bench, Executive, Scaffold, Legislature

Yes, it is worse than thrown away, because every fair minded man must admit that the expenditure of this sum of money in the county for intoxicating liquor creates lawlessness, makes criminals, wrecks homes and brings trouble to innocent women and children.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Innocent, Away, Expenditure, Lawlessness

I use the term bar-room to represent every means for the sale and traffic in liquor, and I earnestly appeal to the people to put an end to the traffic, no matter under what name or guise it may be carried on.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

May, Carried, Means, Earnestly

I beg you to look at the promising boys and beautiful girls in your homes and in your communities, and then you will not put these temptations in their way.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Will, Your, Beg, Communities

I not only urge you to vote that ticket yourself, but I beg that you will persuade others to do so. Personal effort can accomplish a great deal, and I beg that you will use your personal influence with your friends to get them to go with you to save the boys.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Deal, Use, Beg, Great Deal

The people of one county can not be indifferent to the welfare of the people in another county.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Welfare, Another, County, Indifferent

There is an eternal conflict between the school-room and the bar-room. The school-room makes men, the bar-room destroys them.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Men, Makes, Eternal, Conflict

The cry comes from the friends of the school-room, from those who would give the State a strong, great, noble citizenship, for protection from the curse of drunkenness. This cry should be heard and answered by every lover of his fellow-men, no matter where his home may be.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Strong, Protection, Matter, Drunkenness

In the first place I remark that no human law is perfect in its construction or execution.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Law, Execution, First Place, Remark

I beg you do not vote for stills and open bar-rooms in the county.

- Thomas Jordan Jarvis

Vote, You, County, Beg

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