Those revolutionaries who have, by chance, escaped the gallows should live and show to the world that they cannot only embrace gallows for the ideal but also bear the worst type of tortures in the dark, dingy prison cells.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the resilience of revolutionaries who endure severe trials and continue to fight for their ideals even from imprisonment.
Bhagat Singh expresses that those revolutionaries who have narrowly escaped execution should continue to manifest their strength and commitment to their ideals. They demonstrate that their resolve is not broken by the hardships they endure, including imprisonment and suffering. This resilience serves as an inspiration to others and showcases the true spirit of revolutionary courage.
In practice
During a speech on the importance of courage in activism, one might quote Bhagat Singh to inspire others to persist despite challenges.
One should not interpret the word “Revolution” in its literal sense. Various meanings and significances are attributed to this word, according to the interests of those who use or misuse it. For the established agencies of exploitation it conjures up a feeling of blood stained horror. To the revolutionaries it is a sacred phrase.
Non-violence is backed by the theory of soul-force in which suffering is courted in the hope of ultimately winning over the opponent. But what happens when such an attempt fail to achieve the object? It is here that soul-force has to be combined with physical force so as not to remain at the mercy of tyrannical and ruthless enemy.
Love always elevates the character of man. It never lowers him, provided love be love
A rebellion is not a revolution. It may ultimately lead to that end.
They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit.
Our entire family is replete with sentiments of patriotism. Uncle Swarna Singh left for his heavenly abode in jail in 1910, two or three years after my birth. Uncle Ajit Singh is leading the life of an exile in foreign countries.
I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.
The greatest weapon any warrior can carry into battle is absolute certainty of her eternal soul.
There's a long history and a pattern of Black athletes - and Black people, period - being told to shut up and accept whatever it is they're given.
I used to drink, I did, I had to quit. Man, I was an embarrassing drunk. I'd get pulled over by the cops, I'd be so drunk I'd be out dancing to their lights thinking I'd made it to another club.
Together we have travelled a long road to be where we are today. This has been a road of struggle against colonial and apartheid oppression.
Those of us who experience racism cannot, and should not, internalize it, despite the impact that it can have on our everyday lives. We must face it down, every time, no matter whom it's directed towards.
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