10 Jackie Kennedy Quotes Every It Girl Should Know
By Alexus Mosley
Jackie Kennedy may be remembered for pillbox hats, perfectly tailored suits, and one of the most photographed lives of the 20th century, but her words reveal a woman who was far more interesting than the image alone. She was curious, private, ambitious, bookish, funny, and deeply aware of the kind of life she wanted to build.
From motherhood and publishing to knowledge, resilience, and simply doing what you enjoy, these 10 quotes prove Jackie had plenty to say beyond style.
Photo Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“I want to live my life, not record it.”
A very chic reminder that not every beautiful moment needs an audience.
“All the changes in the world, for good or evil, were first brought about by words.”
For Jackie, language mattered. Words could shape culture, history, and the way people saw the world.
“If we don’t care about our past, we can’t have very much hope for our future.”
An elegant case for knowing where you come from before deciding where you’re going.
Photo Credit: Bettmann Archive
“I learned not to be ashamed of a real hunger for knowledge.”
Possibly the most It Girl quote of them all. Curiosity is always in style.
“If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do well matters very much.”
For all the glamour surrounding her life, Jackie was clear about what she considered most important.
“You have to be doing something you enjoy.”
Simple, but true. A beautiful life should include work and interests that actually make you happy.
“An editor becomes kind of your mother. You expect love and encouragement from an editor.”
Spoken like someone who truly understood the strangely intimate world of publishing.
Photo Credit: Robert Knudsen
“A great goal in life is the only fortune worth finding.”
Ambition, but make it meaningful. Jackie understood that purpose can be its own kind of luxury.
“I think my biggest achievement is that, after going through a rather difficult time, I consider myself comparatively sane.”
Dry, self-aware, and surprisingly relatable. Sometimes simply making it through is an achievement.
“I am a woman above everything else.”
A fitting final note from someone whose public identity was constantly defined by titles, relationships, and image.