Nothing came easy. I was just born with a need to explore every part of my mind. And with long searching and hard work, I became devoted to my restlessness.
Gordon ParksRead
I suffered evils, but without allowing them to rob me of the freedom to expand.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of maintaining one's freedom and growth.
In this quote, Gordon Parks expresses the idea that while he has faced various hardships and evils throughout his life, he chose not to let those experiences diminish his spirit or hinder his personal development. It reflects a profound sense of courage and self-determination, highlighting the significance of maintaining one's freedom to grow and expand despite challenges.
In practice
This quote can inspire students during a graduation speech to overcome obstacles.
Nothing came easy. I was just born with a need to explore every part of my mind. And with long searching and hard work, I became devoted to my restlessness.
You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery.
If you don't have anything to say, your photographs aren't going to say much.
The camera could be a very powerful instrument against discrimination, against poverty, against racism.
And I think that after nearly 85 years upon this planet that I have a right after working so hard at showing the desolation and the poverty, to show something beautiful for somebody as well.
I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera.
Through the centuries, we faced down death by daring to hope.
When we look squarely at injustice and get involved, we actually feel less pain, not more, because we overcome the gnawing guilt and despair that festers under our numbness. We clean the wound - our own and others' - and it can finally heal.
Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.
Adversity will only sharpen our wits and make us more strong-willed, resulting in the political awakening of more Hong Kongers, not to mention the international community's support.
No woman has to be a victim of physical abuse. Women have to feel like they are not alone.
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.