QuoteProject
When we dehumanise and demonise our opponents, we abandon the possibility of peacefully resolving our differences, and seek to justify violence against them.
Nelson Mandela
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Dehumanizing our opponents makes peaceful resolution impossible and justifies violence.

Nelson Mandela's quote emphasizes that when we strip our opponents of their humanity and view them as demons, we effectively destroy any chance of resolving our conflicts peacefully. This mindset not only escalates tensions but also provides a rationale for violent actions against those we see as less than human, highlighting the moral responsibility we carry in how we perceive others in conflict scenarios.

Themes

DehumanizationViolenceConflictPeaceHumanity

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate on social justice, this quote could illustrate the dangers of extremist views.

More from Nelson Mandela

We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Nelson MandelaRead
The past is a rich resource on which we can draw in order to make decisions for the future, but it does not dictate our choices. We should look back at the past and select what is good, and leave behind what is bad.
Nelson MandelaRead
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
Nelson MandelaRead
After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one's person.
Nelson MandelaRead
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead

Similar quotes

If you want to study the social and political history of modern nations, study hell.
Thomas MertonRead
It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.
J. K. RowlingRead
We are reading the story of our lives As though we were in it As though we had written it.
Mark StrandRead
All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers.
Francois FenelonRead
The centuries are sprinkled with rare magic with divine creatures who help us get past the common and extraordinary ills that beset us
Charles BukowskiRead
Backward we traveled to reclaim the day Before we fell, like Icarus, undone; All we find are altars in decay And profane words scrawled black across the sun.
Sylvia PlathRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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