In the normal course of things, journalists want their story, and as soon as they are through with it, they pack their cameras and go. That was never the impression that David Astor gave when you were interviewed by him. It was far deeper than that.
I wanted to be a doctor at some point, and I was always bringing home strays from school: people who were too poor to pay fees or have food. My parents never rebuked me or told me that they were hard-pressed, too.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a desire to help others and the support of family in altruistic actions.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's quote emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness in one's upbringing. It highlights how her aspirations of becoming a doctor were fueled by her innate desire to help those in need, particularly through her actions of bringing home individuals who faced hardship. The unwavering support from her parents, despite their own struggles, showcases the value of empathy and generosity that can profoundly impact one's character and choices in life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, you might quote this to inspire others to help those in need.
More from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
All quotes →One of the greatest things I fear is letting down my people. I wouldn't live with that type of conscience, of having let down my people after they've been brutalized for so long.
We shall liberate our country.
I learned to deal with the police... to be tough... to survive.
I am not sorry. I will never be sorry. I would do everything I did again if I had to. Everything.
The solution of this country's problems lies in black hands.
Similar quotes
I wish people would realize that animals are totally dependent on us, helpless, like children, a trust that is put upon us.
Some people have a thick skin and you don’t. Your heart is really open and that is going to cause pain, but that is an appropriate response to this world. The cost is high, but the blessing of being compassionate is beyond your wildest dreams.
If you have a sick or lonely person at home, be there. Maybe just to hold a hand, maybe just to give a smile, that is the greatest, the most beautiful work.
Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.
We need to take action to develop compassion, to create inner peace within ourselves and to share that inner peace with our family and friends. Peace and warm-heartednes s can then spread through the community just as ripples radiate out across the water when you drop a pebble into a pond
Aside from doing everything possible to provide programs for people who are seriously ill, I want to do everything humanly possible to help create a more caring society so that we can begin to counter the painful loneliness and sense of helplessness which has engulfed too many of our people.