Because we have suffered, and we are not afraid to suffer in order to survive, we are ready to give up everything - even our lives - in our struggle for justice.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the willingness to endure suffering for the sake of justice and survival.
Cesar Chavez highlights the profound commitment individuals can have to justice, suggesting that enduring suffering is often necessary in the struggle for what is right. He implies that such dedication can lead one to be willing to sacrifice anything, including their own life, in pursuit of justice, reflecting a deep sense of purpose and courage in the face of adversity.
In practice
This quote can inspire activists at a rally fighting for social justice.
I became a vegetarian after realizing that animals feel afraid, cold, hungry and unhappy like we do. I feel very deeply about vegetarianism and the animal kingdom. It was my dog Boycott who led me to question the right of humans to eat other sentient beings.
I think one of the great, great problems...is confusing people to the point where they become immobile. In fact, the more things people can find out for themselves, the more vigor the organization is going to have.
In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.
There is enough love and good will in our movement to give energy to our struggle and still have plenty left over to break down and change the climate of hate and fear around us.
Our union represents a breaking away...represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force...however long it takes, we are geared for a struggle.
Every time we sit at a table at night or in the morning to enjoy the fruits and grain and vegetables from our good earth, remember that they come from the work of men and women and children who have been exploited for generations.
There were many factors as to why I decided to come out as being undocumented. One of them is because I look the way that I look; I don't look like the 'stereotypical undocumented' person.
Being "fearless" isn't about being unafraid, it's about being TERRIFIED and still going for it.
I never felt I had anything to hide. I never felt being gay was anything to be ashamed of, so I never felt apologetic. I didn't have issues with it, didn't grow up with any religion, so I didn't have any religious, you know, issues to deal with as far as homosexuality is concerned. So, I accepted it very easily. For me, it wasn't that big a deal.
I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity.
Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.
I think the self-burning itself on practice of non-violence. These people, you see, they easily use bomb explosive, more casualty people. But they didn't do that. Only sacrifice their own life. So this also is part of practice of non-violence.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.