QuoteProject
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.
Desmond Tutu
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Our shared humanity connects us, and we can fully experience our humanity only in relation to others.

Desmond Tutu's quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings, suggesting that our individual humanity is intrinsically linked to the humanity of others. It highlights the importance of relationships and community in achieving a fuller understanding of what it means to be human, reinforcing the idea that we thrive through mutual support and compassion.

Themes

HumanityTogetherRelationshipsConnectionCommunity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about community service, I might say, 'As Desmond Tutu said, 'My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.'

More from Desmond Tutu

The fossil reserves that have already been discovered exceed what can ever be safely used. Yet companies spend half a trillion dollars each year searching for more fuel. They should redirect this money toward developing clean energy solutions
Desmond TutuRead
As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greateer instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love.
Desmond TutuRead
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Desmond TutuRead
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Desmond TutuRead
Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone's back.
Desmond TutuRead
Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
Desmond TutuRead

Similar quotes

Laila has moved on. Because in the end she knows that’s all she can do. That and hope.
Khaled HosseiniRead
Twas something else. I had come to hate her, you see. I had come to wish her dead, and that was what held me back.
Stephen KingRead
People have to start talking to know more about other cultures and to understand each other.
Martin ScorseseRead
To communicate is our chief business; society and friendship our chief delights; and reading, not to acquire knowledge, not to earn a living, but to extend our intercourse beyond our own time and province.
Virginia WoolfRead
If we can exit a relationship, pressure to reconcile lessens; if we must live with those who have wronged us, we are pushed to reconcile.
Miroslav VolfRead
Is there discrimination against women? Yes. There's no denying that the old boys' network is alive and well. But there's also discrimination against men.
Warren FarrellRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.