Four Inspiring Quotes From American Aviator Amelia Earhart

January 11th, marks the 82nd anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s solo Pacific flight.

Amelia Earhart is one of the most prominent icons of the 20th century. She was a pioneering female pilot, independent, and a determined supporter of women’s rights. Earhart’s numerous aviation firsts and her disappearance during an attempt to fly around the globe in 1937 have ensured her status as a legend. The legendary female pilot, Amelia Mary Earhart, was born July 24, 1897, to Edwin and Amelia “Amy” Earhart in Atchison, Kansas.

In 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. It was a dangerous 2,408-mile flight that had already claimed several lives.

Earhart’s nearly 19-hour flight across the Pacific took her 600 more miles over water than Charles Lindbergh’s famous transatlantic trip. Ten fliers before her had died trying to complete the dangerous flight.

She received many awards and accolades for her record-setting achievements. She won the Harmon Trophy as America’s Outstanding Airwoman for 1932, 1933, and 1934. Earhart was also given honorary membership in the National Aeronautic Association and was awarded the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor by the French government.

In 1935, Earhart became a visiting faculty member at Purdue University. She served as an advisor to aeronautical engineering and a career counselor to women students. Earhart was also a member of the National Woman’s Party and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.

On January 9, 1939, Earhart was declared legally dead in a Los Angeles superior court. The mystery of Earhart’s disappearance during her attempt to fly around the world continues to fuel speculation.

Here are four of her most inspiring quotes :

• “Now, and then, women should do for themselves what men have already done—occasionally what men have not done—thereby establishing themselves as persons, and perhaps encouraging other women toward greater independence of thought and action. Some such consideration was a contributing reason for my wanting to do what I so much wanted to do.”
• “The woman who can create her own job is the woman who will win fame and fortune.” “It is far easier to start something than it is to finish it.”
• “My ambition is to have this wonderful gift produce practical results for the future of commercial flying and for the women who may want to fly tomorrow’s planes.”
• “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”