When a man or woman, young, or old, takes a place on the picket line for even a day or two, he will never be the same again.
Interpretation
Taking a stand for one's beliefs transforms a person's perspective and commitment to social justice.
Cesar Chavez's quote highlights the profound impact that participating in activism, such as standing on a picket line, can have on an individual. It suggests that even a brief engagement in the struggle for rights and justice can lead to lasting changes in a person's understanding and dedication to these causes, underlining the transformative power of collective action and courage in the face of adversity.
In practice
In a speech about social responsibility, one might use this quote to encourage young people to stand up for their beliefs.
I became a vegetarian after realizing that animals feel afraid, cold, hungry and unhappy like we do. I feel very deeply about vegetarianism and the animal kingdom. It was my dog Boycott who led me to question the right of humans to eat other sentient beings.
I think one of the great, great problems...is confusing people to the point where they become immobile. In fact, the more things people can find out for themselves, the more vigor the organization is going to have.
In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.
There is enough love and good will in our movement to give energy to our struggle and still have plenty left over to break down and change the climate of hate and fear around us.
Our union represents a breaking away...represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force...however long it takes, we are geared for a struggle.
Every time we sit at a table at night or in the morning to enjoy the fruits and grain and vegetables from our good earth, remember that they come from the work of men and women and children who have been exploited for generations.
A decline in courage may be the most striking feature that an outside observer notices in the West today. The Western world has lost its civic courage . . . . Such a decline in courage is particularly noticeable among the ruling and intellectual elite, causing an impression of a loss of courage by the entire society.
I don't favor violence. If we could bring about recognition and respect of our people by peaceful means, well and good. Everybody would like to reach his objectives peacefully. But I'm also a realist. The only people in this country who are asked to be nonviolent are black people.
The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others.
To gain a crown by fighting is great, to reject it divine.
We live in the kind of world where courage is the most essential of virtues; without courage, the other virtues are useless.
Find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground_x000D_ Mother earth will swallow you_x000D_ Lay your body down.
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