QuoteProject
We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.
John Lewis
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that while we don't control when events occur, we must rise to the occasion and act when it matters.

John Lewis conveys the idea that the challenges and moments we face in life may not be of our own choosing, yet it is our responsibility to respond to them with courage and integrity. This highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and standing up for what is right when history calls upon us, encouraging individuals to take action even in the face of uncertainty.

Themes

CourageTimeResponsibilityActionHistory

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about social justice, one might say this quote to inspire proactive change.

More from John Lewis

The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
John LewisRead
The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
John LewisRead
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
John LewisRead
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
John LewisRead
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
John LewisRead
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
John LewisRead

Similar quotes

Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle....goa ts are used for sacrificial offerings and not lions.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
There's nothing I'm afraid of like scared people.
Robert FrostRead
I will not yield to any man contrary to what is right, for fear of death, even if I should die at once for not yielding.
SocratesRead
Covering the civil-rights movement was a mind- and eye-opener for me. Houston was a segregated society, as was Texas as a whole - some of it by law, a lot of it by fear and tradition. But there was no violence where I lived, and if there was hate, it was either concealed from me or I just didn't recognize it.
Dan RatherRead
As I suffer in the defence of my Country, I must consider this hour as the most glorious of my life -Remember that I die as becomes a British Officer, while the manner of my death must reflect disgrace on your Commander.
John AndreRead
Some people stay far away from the door if there's a chance of it opening up. They hear a voice in the hall outside and hope that it just passes by.
Billy JoelRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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