Carter pays tribute to his mother in new book
Former president talks about mom's example, humor
Question: Your mother died 25 years ago at age 85. Why are you telling her story now?
Answer: I felt my mother exemplified before her time the essence of what human rights means in a very personal fashion. She started when I was still a child, taking care of nearby poverty-stricken people during the Depression. She continued that all the way through her life, including going to India with the Peace Corps, where she was, in effect, untouchable herself in that she dealt with things that other respectful people didn't touch. Mother also had a great sense of humor. She was bubbling over with excitement and good cheer. She was completely unpredictable. She meant a lot to me.
Question: A lot of young people never heard of Miss Lillian. You say you've taught at Emory University for 26 years; did you want to introduce her to a new generation?
Question: In the book, you quote your mother's writings on her 70th birthday; you say she wished each of you would "dare to do things and reach for goals in your own lives that have meaning for you as individuals, doing as much as you can for everybody, but not worrying if you don't please everyone." How have you followed that advice?
Answer: I remember often my mother's advice to me to do what you think is right and what you think is exciting and gratifying to you, and not worry if you make a mistake and fail, and not worry if anybody criticizes you. Just to go ahead and do it. It's paid off for me. I'm not saying everybody else needs to follow the same advice.
Question: You've been quoted as saying your mother was "the most influential woman in my life." How has her influence extended to your most recent meetings with the Palestinian group Hamas, in light of the Bush administration's expressed concern? What do you think your mother would have said about such a controversial move?
Answer: She always liked controversy herself, and I think she would have approved completely. I think that would have added a little bit of spice or titillation to the fact that we were reaching out to people who were scorned and deprived and excluded from processes. I think in addition to that, the excitement of doing something that was somewhat controversial would have been an extra appeal to her.
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