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Where we come from does not determine who we can become. What we look like places no limits on what we can achieve. We should all have the right to express ourselves, all have the right to be heard, all have the right to be what we can be: To reach for the sky and touch the stars. No matter who we are, no matter whether we are man or woman, or rich or poor: _x000D_ My voice, my right. My voice counts.
Desmond Tutu
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our backgrounds do not define our potential, and everyone has the right to express themselves and strive for greatness.

Desmond Tutu's quote emphasizes the importance of individual potential beyond societal constraints such as race, gender, or economic status. He advocates for the inherent right of every person to express themselves and achieve their dreams, asserting that who we are does not limit what we can accomplish. Tutu encourages a belief in equality and the power of one's voice in creating change and pursuing aspirations, challenging the societal norms that may discourage people from reaching their full potential.

Themes

PotentialExpressionEqualityDreamsInspiration

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone's back.
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Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
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