The city of New Orleans showed America what it takes to rebuild a great place. We're all going together, and we're not leaving anybody behind.
Mitch LandrieuRead
There is nothing here that's broken that can't be fixed, but it won't happen on its own. It's going to require a huge lift by the entire country of the United States of America and people on the ground taking personal responsibility for themselves. You cannot take it as a fait accompli that the city's going to come back.
Interpretation
Progress requires collective effort and personal responsibility.
Mitch Landrieu emphasizes that for positive change to occur, particularly in the context of societal issues, it is essential for individuals and the community as a whole to actively engage and take responsibility. Simply waiting for circumstances to improve without action will not lead to the desired outcomes; rather, a concerted effort from all members of society is necessary for meaningful transformation.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about civic engagement and community improvement.
The city of New Orleans showed America what it takes to rebuild a great place. We're all going together, and we're not leaving anybody behind.
One of the things that's beautiful about New Orleans is how culturally rich we are and how well we have worked together. People call us a gumbo. It's really important that we get focused on the very simple notion that diversity is a strength, it's not a weakness.
Race in America is not a problem you can go over, or around or under. You've got to go through it.
In the developing world, most people don't yet live in big well-run cities. Given the chance to move to one, hundreds of millions of people would go there to get a job, get an education for their children, and live in a place that is clean, safe, and healthy.
Always be open to new beginnings. To the universe, every moment is the start of the next big thing in your life.
If each of us works toward making a sincere effort when we wake up each morning with a renewed commitment and dedication to embracing nonviolence as a lifestyle, this world will become a better place, bringing us ever closer to the Beloved Community of which my father so often spoke.
Social change involves helping people see new options for making life wonderful that are less costly to get needs met.
So imagine a world 6 degrees warmer. It's not going to recognize geographical boundaries. It's not going to recognize anything. So agriculture regions today will be wiped out.
New beginnings – professional, personal, or come what may – are always uncomfortable, but being open to them is the only way to grow. In the end, we are all capable of so much more than we think.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.