A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
Concerning non-violence: it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Non-violence should not come at the cost of self-defense against continual aggression.
Malcolm X's quote emphasizes the importance of self-defense, especially for those who are frequently subjected to violence. It asserts that while non-violence is a desirable approach, it becomes morally questionable to dissuade a person from defending themselves when they are repeatedly attacked. This highlights the intersection of justice, morality, and the right to resist oppression.
Themes
Non-ViolenceSelf-DefenseBrutalityOppressionJustice
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about social justice movements.
More from Malcolm X
All quotes βI have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
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When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
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So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have β and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth β you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
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Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
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Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Malcolm XRead
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