Who said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.…”?

Disputed

It's credited to Margaret Mead, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable source from Margaret Mead's lifetime: First credited to Mead in 1982, after her death; not found in her writings.

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
DisputedNo reliable source from Margaret Mead's lifetime: First credited to Mead in 1982, after her death; not found in her writings. · evidenceTeams and Teamwork
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Cite this quote

APA

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” [Quotation attributed to Margaret Mead]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/39345-never-doubt-that-a-small-group-of-thoughtful/

MLA

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Attributed to Margaret Mead. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/39345-never-doubt-that-a-small-group-of-thoughtful/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Attributed to Margaret Mead. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/39345-never-doubt-that-a-small-group-of-thoughtful/.