Reflecting on 85 Years with
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Sept. 8, 2009

Q:  You celebrate your 85th birthday with the reopening of the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum on Oct. 1, which includes—for the first time in a presidential library—a major post-presidential exhibit. What does this exhibit about the peace and health work of The Carter Center mean to you personally?

This unique presentation of the work of a First Family after the White House years is an honor and a pleasure for me and Rosalynn. These post-presidential years represent some of the happiest times of our lives and, perhaps, the most productive in what The Carter Center has been able to contribute to better lives for many of the world's most needy people. It is gratifying for us to have visitors become aware of the work of so many dedicated co-workers.

Q:  You are a father, grandfather, and a great-grandfather. The way you have chosen to live your life has made a difference in the lives of countless people around the world.  What advice would you give to museum visitors and young people about making a difference in the world?

My advice would be for visitors to assess their own innate talents, abilities, and opportunities and devise ways to utilize them to the fullest – preferably for the benefit of others. My own experience is that this always leads to challenges, adventure, excitement, pleasure, and gratification – with more benefits than sacrifices.

Q:  Doubtless, life has taught you many lessons. What have you learned through your work at The Carter Center that you would like others to know?

From my work at The Carter Center, I have learned how extensive the needs are among the poor and developing nations and that great achievements are possible from carefully planned and persistent projects to address those needs. These all fall under the broad umbrella of human rights including peace, liberty, democracy, freedom from want and unnecessary suffering, and human dignity. A constant discovery is how intelligent, dedicated, ambitious, and industrious are the deprived people when given a vision and the capability of achieving better lives.

Q:  Looking back, of what are you most proud?  What do you yet hope to accomplish in the years ahead?

A. First of all, I am grateful to have served the people of Georgia and America as chief executive. In addition, there are many achievements of The Carter Center that make us proud, but the most unanticipated accomplishments have been in the field of health care. Our leadership in the eradication of the horrible disease of Guinea worm in more than twenty nations is a notable example. Of equal importance has been removing the blight of river blindness, trachoma, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria from millions of suffering people. The partnerships we have formed with these villagers has been especially gratifying.

Q:  Your 85 years have brought many challenges and successes.  When The Carter Center celebrates its 85th year in 2067, what achievements do you hope will be celebrated?

My hope and expectation is that The Carter Center will continue to be flexible in addressing new and unanticipated challenges during the coming decades, always concentrating on those extremely difficult and unattractive challenges that are not being addressed by others.

Q:  Do you have a special birthday wish? 

My general wish is that the world can become free of unnecessary suffering, whether caused by disease, hunger, persecution of the weak, or armed conflict. A special hope is that peace with justice might come to the Middle East, for Israel and all its neighbors.