A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
Policies change, and programs change, according to time.But objective never changes. You might change your method of achieving the objective, but the objective never changes. Our objective is complete freedom, complete justice, complete equality, by any means necessary
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of fundamental goals like freedom and justice remains constant, even if the methods to achieve them may evolve.
Malcolm X emphasizes that while the methods and policies we use to pursue our goals might change over time due to circumstances and challenges, the ultimate objectives of freedom, justice, and equality should remain steadfast and unwavering. This reflects a strong commitment to fundamental principles, advocating for adaptability in approach without losing sight of the core mission.
Themes
FreedomJusticeEqualityObjectiveChangeMotivation
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech advocating for social justice, you might reference this quote to highlight the importance of unwavering goals.
More from Malcolm X
All quotes →I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
Malcolm XRead
When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
Malcolm XRead
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have — and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth — you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
Malcolm XRead
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
Malcolm XRead
Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Malcolm XRead
Similar quotes
Some say opportunity knocks only once, that is not true. Opportunity knocks all the time, but you have to be ready for it. If the chance comes, you must have the equipment to take advantage of it.
Louis L'AmourRead
Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary. When you start thinking of pressure, it's because you've started to think of failure.
Tommy LasordaRead
I always say that when I'm playing well, no one can beat me. I'm not just saying that to sound full of myself or anything, but it's true.
Serena WilliamsRead
Unhappy failures need not apply.
Kurt VonnegutRead
Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds
Napoleon HillRead
The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasums, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at best know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore RooseveltRead