A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-acceptance is essential before seeking the approval of others.
Malcolm X emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance as a prerequisite for gaining acceptance from others. The quote suggests that internal validation must come before we can seek or expect external validation, highlighting the significance of self-worth and authenticity in our interactions with the world.
Themes
Self-AcceptanceValidationAuthenticitySelf-WorthApproval
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-esteem.
More from Malcolm X
All quotes βI have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
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When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
Malcolm XRead
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have β and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth β you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
Malcolm XRead
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
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Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Malcolm XRead
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From a political point of view, there is but one principle, the sovereignty of man over himself. This sovereignty of myself over myself is called Liberty
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We have peace with God as soon as we believe, but not always with ourselves. The pardon may be past the prince's hand and seal, and yet not put into the prisoner's hand.
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You've a right to believe that we're governed by Nature and the hidden Force within her. You can think that the gods, including my Melitele, are merely a personification of this power invented for simpletons so they can understand it better, accept its existence. According to you, that power is blind. But for me, Geralt, faith allows you to expect what my goddess personifies from nature: order, law, goodness. And hope.
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