Religion without humanity is very poor human stuff.
Sojourner TruthRead
Because of them I can now live the dream. I am the seed of the free, and I know it. I intend to bear great fruit.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the power of freedom and the potential for achieving one's dreams.
Sojourner Truth's quote reflects the journey from oppression to liberation and the assurance that, as a free individual, one can realize their aspirations. The metaphor of being a 'seed' suggests that just as a seed has the potential to grow into something significant, so too do individuals hold the potential for greatness, especially when underpinned by the freedom to pursue their dreams.
In practice
During a graduation speech to inspire students to pursue their dreams.
Religion without humanity is very poor human stuff.
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman?
The rich rob the poor and the poor rob one another.
Good man! Genuine gentleman! God bless George Thompson, the great-hearted friend of my race.
And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
When I left the house of bondage I left everything behind. I wasn't going to keep nothing of Egypt on me, an' so I went to the Lord an' asked him to give me a new name. And he gave me Sojourner because I was to travel up and down the land showing the people their sins and bein' a sign unto them. I told the Lord I wanted two names 'cause everybody else had two, and the Lord gave me Truth, because I was to declare the truth to the people.
There's those young girls that I once was, looking up to Mia Hamm, Christine Lilly, all those players, and I know how much of an effect they had on me. Knowing that, I feel like I'm in a position where I can really help be a positive influence in girls' lives.
For some of my young female readers, it will be the first time they will have seen a Punjabi author be successful in the West. Because I'm dealing with topics that aren't always easily discussed, I know they will look up to me, because I would have done the same. So I just want to make sure I do right by them, wherever this takes me.
The quiet that envelops space makes the beauty even more powerful, and I only hope that the quiet can one day spread to my country.
Never underestimate the power of intrinsic values. They inspire every struggle for a better world.
Above everything else I've done, I've always said I've had more guts than I've got talent.
With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.
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