The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
Do one of three things. One, go find a wailing wall and feel sorry for yourselves. Two, go psycho and start bombing - but this will only swing people to the right. Three, learn a lesson. Go home, organize, build power and at the next convention, you be the delegates.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of constructive action in the face of challenges rather than succumbing to despair or violence.
Saul Alinsky's quote highlights the choices individuals have when faced with adversity and dissatisfaction. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or resorting to destructive means, he advocates for learning from the situation, organizing collective efforts, and working towards empowerment. This perspective encourages active engagement and constructive change, suggesting that individuals have the agency to influence their circumstances positively through organization and action.
Themes
ChangeActionPowerOrganizationAdversity
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a motivational speech to inspire community organizing.
More from Saul Alinsky
All quotes →Lest we forget at least an over the shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins - or which is which), the very first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom - Lucifer.
Saul AlinskyRead
The second rule is: Never go outside the experience of your people. When an action is outside the experience of the people, the result is confusion, fear, and retreat.
Saul AlinskyRead
The first step in community organization is community disorganization. The disruption of the present organization is the first step toward community organization. Present arrangements must be disorganized if they are to be displace by new patterns.... All change means disorganization of the old and organization of the new.
Saul AlinskyRead
The threat is generally more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.
Saul AlinskyRead
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