Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.

Meaning of the quote

Giving to others helps us think beyond our own concerns and teaches us about the struggles and needs of people we may not know. It opens our eyes to the lives and experiences of others, which can be very different from our own.

About Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush was the first lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, after serving as the second lady from 1981 to 1989. She was a prominent figure in American politics, known for her work in promoting literacy and supporting people with AIDS. Barbara Bush had an eventful life, from meeting her husband George H.W. Bush at age 16 to being the mother of two U.S. presidents.

More about the author

More quotes from Barbara Bush

You have to love your children unselfishly. That’s hard. But it’s the only way.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Believe in something larger than yourself… get involved in the big ideas of your time.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

It seems to me I spent my life in car pools, but you know, that’s how I kept track of what was going on.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

You may think the president is all-powerful, but he is not. He needs a lot of guidance from the Lord.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

It was the dumbest thing I had ever seen, but it’s a family thing, and I guess it’s clean.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

The personal things should be left out of platforms at conventions. You can argue yourself blue in the face, and you’re not going to change each other’s minds. It’s a waste of your time and my time.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

The winner of the hoop race will be the first to realize her dream, not society’s dream, her own personal dream.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the president’s spouse. I wish him well!

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I married the first man I ever kissed. When I tell this to my children, they just about throw up.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I may be the only mother in America who knows exactly what their child is up to all the time.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

One thing I can say about George… he may not be able to keep a job, but he’s not boring.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

I’m not a competitive person, and I think women like me because they don’t think I’m competitive, just nice.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

My son, George, has been a bad, bad boy! Right, George?

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

You don’t just luck into things as much as you would like to think you do. You build step by step, whether it is friendships or opportunities.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Cherish your human connections – your relationships with friends and family.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

Bias has to be taught. If you hear your parents downgrading women or people of different backgrounds, why, you are going to do that.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

And who knows? Somewhere out there in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the president’s spouse. I wish him well!

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

You just don’t luck into things as much as you’d like to think you do. You build step by step, whether it’s friendships or opportunities.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993

If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities.

Barbara Bush

First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993