We can't get at crime unless we know what language it speaks. Otherwise, we are just suppressing the cough, not curing the disease.
Relapse happens, especially when you're dealing with folks who are frankly the least likely to succeed based on their own pasts and difficulties. We can work with the most likely to succeed. I'm not interested in that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Relapse is common, especially when working with those facing significant challenges, but there is value in supporting those who are often overlooked.
This quote by Greg Boyle emphasizes the importance of recognizing that relapse is a part of the journey, particularly for individuals who have faced numerous obstacles in their lives. Rather than solely focusing on those who are the most likely to succeed, Boyle advocates for investing in those who may have struggled in the past, pointing to the potential for growth and redemption that often lies within them.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of supporting those with challenging backgrounds.
More from Greg Boyle
All quotes →If there is a fundamental challenge within these stories, it is simply to change our lurking suspicion that some lives matter less than other lives.
We ought not to demonize a single gang member, and we ought not to romanticize a single gang.
Anyone who knows gangs knows that lawmakers cannot conceive of a law that would lead a hard-core gang member to 'think twice.'
Homeboy Industries has chosen to stand with the 'demonized' so that the demonizing will stop; it stands with the 'disposable' so that the day will come when we stop throwing people away.
The idea that any law enforcement agency or person would ever know these gang members better than Homeboy Industries is impossible.
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