I had always known that I couldn't play Dr. King purely out of my own ability as an actor. When you look at him give those speeches, you can tell that he is taken up by something other than himself. He is flowing with an anointing that is directly from God.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of divine inspiration in achieving greatness.
David Oyelowo reflects on the profound impact that Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches had on him as an actor. He suggests that King's powerful words and presence are not solely a product of human talent, but rather an expression of a divine anointing that elevates his message and resonates deeply with the audience. This recognition of a higher force contributes to the legacy of leaders who inspire others through their extraordinary connection to a greater purpose.
In practice
In a speech at a community event discussing the importance of leadership.
I grew up watching period dramas, as we all did in the 1980s and '90s - endless adaptations of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens - and I loved them. But I never saw anyone like me in them, so I decided to find a story to erode the excuses for me not doing one.
You will never, I think, fully conquer the play. Every night, you see this Everest before you. It's that two, three hours and the audience, and you'd better tell the truth.
Generally speaking, we as black people have been celebrated more for when we are subservient when we are not being leaders or kings or in the center of our own narrative driving it forward.
Excellence is the best weapon against prejudice. I intend to be part of the solution and not the problem. You've just got to keep on banging out good performances.
What we usually do to great men and women is relegate them to homogenised heroism. Their words and actions become soundbites and images in a way that gives us an excuse not to act bravely in our own lives.
Every time I go to Africa, I feel like I hit true north. There is a depth of feeling that I have for the continent, in the richness of the people, the suffering , but also the transcendent joy that is there - it's like nowhere else on the planet.
It is unreasonable to think we can earn rewards without being willing to pay their true price. It is always our choice whether or not we wish to pay the price for life's rewards.
The most dangerous of all behaviors may consist of doing things 'because we're supposed to.
There is no greater mistake than to suppose that platitudes, smooth words, timid policies, offer today a path to safety.
Eat bitter, taste sweet," Frank said. "I hate that proverb." "But it's true. What do they call it these days---no pain, no gain? Same concept. You do the easy thing, the appealing thing, the peaceful thing, mostly it turns out sour in the end. But if you take the hard path---ah, that's how you reap the sweet rewards. Duty. Sacrifice. They mean something.
Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.
Answers are not obtained by putting the wrong question and thereby begging the real one.
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