The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
If people don't think they have the power to solve their problems, they won't even think about how to solve them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Believing in one's own power is crucial for problem-solving.
This quote by Saul Alinsky emphasizes the importance of self-belief and empowerment in the context of problem-solving. If individuals do not recognize their capacity to address and resolve their challenges, they will not engage in the necessary thinking or action to find solutions, ultimately leading to inaction and perpetuation of their problems.
Themes
PowerProblem-SolvingBeliefSelf-EmpowermentAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire students to take charge of their education.
More from Saul Alinsky
All quotes βLest 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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I'm just about that action, boss. I ain't ever see no talking win me nothin'.
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