A handful of works in history have had a direct impact on social policy: one or two works of Dickens, some of Zola, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and, in modern drama, Larry Kramer's 'The Normal Heart.'
Tony KushnerRead
The primary thing I should do, apart from being a good husband, brother, son, and friend, is to be a citizen activist. But I'm afraid it takes away from the writing. Not that anything depends on whether I put an essay in 'The Nation' or not. But you want to participate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Participating in civic activism is essential, even amid personal commitments.
In this quote, Tony Kushner expresses the internal conflict between personal responsibilities and the desire to engage actively in societal issues. He acknowledges the importance of being a good family member and friend but reinforces that civic engagement is also a crucial responsibility, showing a commitment to contributing meaningfully to society despite potential distractions.
Themes
ActivismCitizenshipParticipationResponsibilityWriting
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting, I shared this quote to encourage others to take action.
More from Tony Kushner
All quotes →Artists know that diligence counts as much, if not more, as inspiration; in art, as in politics, patience counts as much as revolution.
Tony KushnerRead
I don't understand why I'm not dead. When your heart breaks, you should die
Tony KushnerRead
In this world, there is a kind of painful progress. Longing for what we've left behind, and dreaming ahead.
Tony KushnerRead
The way that same-sex marriage should reach the federal level is that it absolutely should be decided by the Supreme Court as quickly as possible. It's a 14th Amendment issue. There's no argument about it.
Tony KushnerRead
Gay TV has been immensely important in transforming American culture in a more gay-positive direction.
Tony KushnerRead
Similar quotes
Women throughout history have had to defy rigid conventions about what is and is not expected of them.
Margaret MacmillanRead
Those who rebelled against totalitarian rule and those who simply managed to remain themselves and think freely, were all persecuted. We should not forget any of those who paid for our present freedom in one way or another.
Vaclav HavelRead
I was taught to believe that the most dishonorable thing a Meredith could do was work in a white woman's kitchen and take care of a white man's child. I knew I would starve to death rather than do either.
James MeredithRead
I have carefully weighed the virtues and the faults of the Filipino and I have come to the conclusion that he is worth dying for.
Benigno Aquino, Jr.Read
I might bend, but I will NEVER break because it's in my nature as a strong woman.
Angela MerkelRead
I was a queen, and you took away my crown; a wife, and you killed my husband; a mother, and you deprived me of my children. My blood alone remains: take it, but do not make me suffer long.
Marie AntoinetteRead