I don't think the world will destroy itself in a nuclear cataclysm. On the contrary, we have the capacity to save ourselves and save the planet, and we will use it.
Do you truly believe that life is fair, Senor de la Vega? -No, maestro, but I plan to do everything in my power to make it so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the disparity between fairness and reality, emphasizing personal responsibility to create change.
In this quote, Isabel Allende presents a dialogue between two characters that highlights the often-unfair nature of life while simultaneously underscoring the importance of individual agency in striving for justice and fairness. The response from Senor de la Vega illustrates a recognition of life's inherent inequalities yet expresses a determination to take action to improve circumstances. It suggests that while one cannot control all events, one can still influence outcomes by committing to do what they can.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could resonate during a speech on social justice.
More from Isabel Allende
All quotes βMy mother is a great artist, but she always treated her paintings like minor postcards. Had she pursued it, she would have been a great artist. Instead, she looked down on her art.
I never try to convey a message, I just want to tell a story. Why that story in particular? I have no idea, but I have learned to surrender to the muse. I become obsessed with a theme or with certain stories; they haunt me for years, and finally, I write them.
My life is about ups and downs, great joys and great losses.
I'm interested in people who have to overcome obstacles, people who are not sheltered by the umbrella of the establishment, marginals.
I'm a writer. In Latin America, they say I'm a Latin-American writer because I also write in Spanish and my books are translated, but I am an American citizen and my books are published here, so I'm also an American writer.
Similar quotes
I stir in bed and the memories rise out of me like a buzz of flies from a carcass. I crave to be rid of them.
Tell them I've had a wonderful life.
Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well.
Question not, but live and labour Till yon goal be won, Helping every feeble neighbor, Seeking help from none; Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone, Kindness in another's trouble, Courage in your own.
There's something about knowing life is finite that makes it so precious.
One lifetime is not enough to live