Lyndon B. Johnson - Our strength lies in our diversity, for in diversity lies opportunity
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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 28th.
It's National Immigrants Day, a day to honor and celebrate the countless contributions immigrants have made—and continue to make—to countries all over the world. Whether you're reflecting on your own heritage or just appreciating the diversity around you, today is a great reminder that immigration has helped build stronger, more vibrant societies.
To pair with this day, I’ve chosen a quote from former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who said:
"Our strength lies in our diversity, for in diversity lies opportunity."
This quote speaks to the undeniable fact that embracing diversity is about recognizing the opportunities that come from new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. When people from different backgrounds come together, they bring with them unique strengths, whether it’s their culture, their skills, or simply a new way of seeing the world. And, it’s also about bringing really good food into the mix, too!
Imagine what the world would be like without the variety of influences we enjoy because of immigration. No pizza, no sushi, no tacos, no pho, no chicken vindaloo, no croissants, no waffles?
But beyond the food (as important as it is!), it's the innovations, the arts, the sciences—fields all enriched by the contributions of immigrants.
Johnson’s quote reminds us that diversity isn’t just a feel-good concept; it’s the fuel that drives progress. Whether it's on a national level or in a local community, diversity means blending ideas in a way that makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. It's why immigrant-founded companies have changed industries, why different cultural viewpoints can find solutions to problems we hadn't even thought of before.
As you go about your day today, think about the ways immigration has influenced your world. Maybe it’s the languages you hear in your neighborhood or the traditions you’ve been exposed to. Maybe it’s a colleague who brings fresh ideas to your workplace. And, of course, take a moment to appreciate that the world around you is richer because of this incredible, ongoing exchange of people, ideas, and cultures.
So, here’s a little challenge for you today: find a way to celebrate the diversity in your life. Whether it’s learning about a new culture, trying something unfamiliar, or just showing appreciation to someone who’s helped make your world more interesting, embrace that opportunity. After all, that’s where strength lies.
Like most people in North America, I am very close to immigration. My Dad is an immigrant, a lot of our family friends are immigrants, my wife is an immigrant... I have immigrant neighbors, colleagues and loads of friends.
I can't imagine life without all these people... and not just because I wouldn't even exist!
Thanks for joining me today. I’m Andrew McGivern signing off, and I’ll be here again tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station with another daily quote!