The proof that one truly believes is in action.
Interpretation
True belief is demonstrated through actions, not just words.
This quote by Bayard Rustin emphasizes that genuine belief and conviction are validated through our actions rather than mere expressions. It suggests that to truly believe in something, one must actively engage and demonstrate that belief through their behavior and choices, highlighting the importance of integrity and authenticity in our commitments.
In practice
In a motivational speech about dedication to social causes.
Twenty-five, 30 years ago, the barometer of human rights in the United States were black people. That is no longer true. The barometer for judging the character of people in regard to human rights is now those who consider themselves gay, homosexual, lesbian.
God does not require us to achieve any of the good tasks that humanity must pursue. What God requires of us is that we not stop trying.
If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end.
If we desire a society of peace, then we cannot achieve such a society through violence. If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end.
My activism did not spring from being black...The racial injustice that was present in this country during my youth was a challenge to my belief in the oneness of the human family.
I am an opponent of war and of war preparations and an opponent of universal military training and conscription; but entirely apart from that issue, I hold that segregation in any part of the body politic is an act of slavery and an act of war.
Take the dead from the dead, the old proverb said; only a corpse may speak true prophecy.
I'm not much for sitting around and thinking about the past or talking about the past. What does that accomplish? If I can give young people something to think about, like the future, that's a better use of my time.
All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.
Make a habit of two things: to help; or at least to do no harm.
The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.
Only after we can learn to forgive ourselves can we accept others as they are because we don't feel threatened by anything about them which is better than us.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.