The behavior of the oppressed is a prescribed behavior, following as it does the guidelines of the oppressor.
Paulo FreireRead
[Humans'] capacity to intervene, to compare, to judge, to decide, to choose, to desist makes them capable of acts of greatness, of dignity, and, at the same time, of the unthinkable in terms of indignity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans have the ability to make significant choices, which entails both the capability for greatness and the risk of choosing poorly.
This quote by Paulo Freire emphasizes the dual nature of human capacity for choice and action. It suggests that our abilities to intervene in the world, make comparisons, and exercise judgment allow us to achieve greatness and uphold dignity. However, these same abilities can lead to acts of indignity and unthinkable actions, highlighting the moral responsibility that comes with our capacity to make decisions.
Themes
Human CapacityChoiceGreatnessIndignityJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership training seminar, this quote can inspire participants to reflect on their decision-making abilities.
More from Paulo Freire
All quotes →How can the oppressed, as divided, unauthentic beings, participate in developing the pedagogy of their liberation?
Paulo FreireRead
Critical and liberating dialogue, which presupposes action, must be carried on with the oppressed at whatever the stage of their struggle for liberation. The content of that dialogue can and should vary in accordance with historical conditions and the level at which the oppressed perceive reality.
Paulo FreireRead
This is the sense in which I am obliged to be a listener. To listen to the student's doubts, fears, and incompetencies that are part of the learning process. It is in listening to the student that I learn to speak with him or her.
Paulo FreireRead
This pedagogy makes oppression and its causes objects of reflection by the oppressed, and from that reflection will come their necessary engagement in the struggle for their liberation. And in the struggle this pedagogy will be made and remade
Paulo FreireRead
The oppressors do not perceive their monopoly on having more as a privilege which dehumanizes others and themselves. They cannot see that, in the egoistic pursuit of having as a possessing class, they suffocate in their own possessions and no longer are; they merely have.
Paulo FreireRead
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