Dream Big

The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Interpretation

These words are self-explanatory. They are another way of expressing the idea that we need to dream big. They go further by specifying exactly how big our dreams should be. Our dreams should be so big that given our current capacity alone, we won’t be able to achieve them. They should be so big such that they scare us.

Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia, said these words during Harvard University’s 360th commencement, in 2011. She was the commencement speaker. Harvard University is her alma mater.

Note: This interpretation is our opinion. We encourage you to agree, disagree, or provide an alternate interpretation.

Sources

Sirleaf, E. (2011, May 26). Text of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's speech. Retrieved July 08, 2020, from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/05/text-of-ellen-johnson-sirleafs-speech/
Illustration by @davidicart.