When we revolt itβs not for a particular culture. We revolt simply because, for many reasons, we can no longer breathe.
A government or a party gets the people it deserves and sooner or later a people gets the government it deserves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that the quality of a government reflects the character of its people, and vice versa.
Frantz Fanon's quote emphasizes the interdependence between a government and its citizens. It implies that a society's flaws or strengths are mirrored in its governance, meaning that if the people are irresponsible or complacent, they will end up with a government that reflects those same attributes. This relationship highlights the notion of collective responsibility and the idea that change in governance starts with the individuals shaping their society.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a civic education class to illustrate the relationship between citizens and their government.
More from Frantz Fanon
All quotes βCertain things need to be said if one is to avoid falsifying the problem.
I want the world to recognize with me the open door of every consciousness
The gaze that the colonized subject casts at the colonist's sector is a look of lust, a look of envy. Dreams of possession. Every type of possession; of sitting at the colonist's table and sleeping in his bed, preferably with his wife. The colonized man is an envious man.
Hate demands existence, and he who hates has to show his hate in appropriate actions and behaviors; in a sense, he has to become hate. That is why the Americans have substituted discrimination for lynching.
Violence is man re-creating himself.
Similar quotes
One of the most unattractive human traits, and so easy to fall into, is resentment at the sudden shared popularity of a previously private pleasure. Which of us hasn't been annoyed when a band, writer, artist or television series that had been a minority interest of ours has suddenly achieved mainstream popularity? When it was at a cult level we moaned at the philistinism of a world that didn't appreciate it, and now that they do appreciate it we're all resentful and dog-in-the-manger about it.
There are no little events in life, those we think of no consequence may be full of fate, and it is at our own risk if we neglect the acquaintances and opportunities that seem to be casually offered, and of small importance.
Not to be onto something is to be in despair.
The fear of speculation, the ostensible rush from the theoretical to the practical, brings about the same shallowness in action that it does in knowledge. It is by studying a strictly theoretical philosophy that we become most acquainted with Ideas, and only Ideas provide action with vigour and ethical meaning.
But yet I'll make assurance double sure, and take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live.
To hurry through one's leisure is the most unbusiness-like of actions.