Ideas don't desert you; ideas aren't treasonous to you, but people can be.
Alan DershowitzRead
Let no one ever shy away from the claim that Jews have power, that Jews have influence. We have learned the terrible lesson of history; that unless we have influence and power, disproportionate to our small numbers - immoral results will occur. We need power. And we must continue to use our power. Power which we earned, power which no one gave us on a silver platter, power which we worked hard for - use that power in the interests of justice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and using power for justice, particularly within the Jewish community.
Alan Dershowitz highlights a critical message regarding the historical context of Jewish power and influence. He stresses that acknowledging this power is essential because, without it, marginalized communities may face dire consequences. The quote advocates for the responsible use of the power that has been earned through hard work, urging individuals to leverage that influence to promote justice rather than shying away from the realities of power dynamics in society.
Themes
PowerInfluenceJusticeJewsHistoryCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, a speaker might reference this quote to stress the importance of advocating for marginalized voices.
More from Alan Dershowitz
All quotes →Ed Koch will never "rest in peace." That was not his way. He was always nervously squirming, while making others squirm as well. Comfort was not his goal. He understood that to be a proud and assertive Jew meant never being able to leave a sigh of relief and say "it's over, we are at peace, we can now put down our guard and relax."
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It's never acceptable to target civilians. It violates the Geneva Accords, it violates the international law of war and it violates all principles of morality.
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When I was growing up, my mother would always say, 'It will go on your permanent record.' There was no 'permanent record.' If there were a 'permanent record,' I'd never be able to be a lawyer. I was such a bum, in elementary school and high school... There is a permanent record today and it's called the Internet.
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A good lawyer knows how to shut up when he's won his case.
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Scientists search for truth. Philosophers search for morality. A criminal trial searches for only one result: proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Alan DershowitzRead
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