Welcome to our collection of Katherine Johnson quotes, celebrating the wisdom and inspiration of a remarkable mathematician whose contributions to NASA’s space missions were pivotal in shaping history. Katherine Johnson, a pioneering African American woman in STEM, broke barriers and defied expectations throughout her illustrious career.
Born in 1918, Katherine Johnson’s journey was marked by resilience and determination. Despite facing segregation and gender discrimination, she pursued her passion for mathematics with unwavering dedication. Johnson’s groundbreaking work at NASA, where she calculated trajectories for historic space flights like the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, not only showcased her exceptional talent but also shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.
As we delve into the insightful words of Katherine Johnson, we invite you to discover the wisdom and inspiration that guided her extraordinary life and career. Below, you’ll find a collection of her most memorable quotes, ready to be shared, reflected upon, or adorned with stylish fonts to honor her enduring legacy.
Everything was so new – the whole idea of going into space was new and daring. There were no textbooks, so we had to write them. Katherine Johnson
I was just excited to have challenging work to do and smart people to work with. Katherine Johnson
I don’t have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I’m as good as anybody, but no better. Katherine Johnson
In math, you’re either right or you’re wrong. Katherine Johnson
John Glenn’s life will long be remembered for his time in space, his courage, and his service to all Americans. Katherine Johnson
We needed to be assertive as women in those days – assertive and aggressive – and the degree to which we had to be that way depended on where you were. I had to be. Katherine Johnson
Like what you do, and then you will do your best. Katherine Johnson
Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men. Katherine Johnson
Let me do it. You tell me when you want it and where you want it to land, and I’ll do it backwards and tell you when to take off. Katherine Johnson
I see a picture right now that’s not parallel, so I’m going to go straighten it. Things must be in order. Katherine Johnson
I was excited at something new, always liked something new, but give credit to everybody who helped. I didn’t do anything alone but try to go to the root of the question and succeeded there. Katherine Johnson
I had a very, very interesting childhood, but, oh my, education was the primary focus in our family. Katherine Johnson
Take all the courses in your curriculum. Do the research. Ask questions. Find someone doing what you are interested in! Be curious! Katherine Johnson
Everything is physics and math. Katherine Johnson
Men don’t pay attention to small things. Katherine Johnson
We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics. Katherine Johnson
I liked working with smart people. Katherine Johnson
I found what I was looking for at Langley. This was what a research mathematician did. I went to work every day for 33 years happy. Never did I get up and say I don’t want to go to work. Katherine Johnson
I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed… anything that could be counted, I did. Katherine Johnson
I felt most proud on the success of the Apollo mission. Katherine Johnson
I’m always interested in learning something new. Katherine Johnson
Many professors tell you that you’d be good at this or that, but they don’t always help you with that career path. Katherine Johnson
Go see ‘Hidden Figures,’ and take a young person! It will give a more positive outlook on what is possible if you work hard, do your best, and are prepared. Katherine Johnson
I like to learn. That’s an art and a science. Katherine Johnson
Our teachers made such a difference – all my teachers and professors were very supportive and nurturing. Katherine Johnson