QuoteProject
Rosa Parks inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble... good trouble, necessary trouble.
John Lewis
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

John Lewis emphasizes the importance of standing up for justice, even if it leads to trouble.

In this quote, John Lewis reflects on the legacy of Rosa Parks, who took a stand against racial injustice. He encourages others to engage in activism that may lead to conflict but is essential for creating change, suggesting that such 'good trouble' is necessary for progress and justice in society.

Themes

ActivismJusticeChangeCourageTrouble

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech at a civil rights rally, one could use this quote to inspire others to take action.

More from John Lewis

The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
John LewisRead
The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
John LewisRead
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
John LewisRead
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
John LewisRead
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
John LewisRead
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
John LewisRead

Similar quotes

My father was convinced the Taliban would hunt him down and kill him, but he again refused security from the police. 'If you go around with a lot of security the Taliban will use Kalashnikovs or suicide bombers and more people will be killed,' he said. 'At least I'll be killed alone.'
Malala YousafzaiRead
Evil prospers when good men do nothing.
John Philpot CurranRead
At the start of my career - not just Me Too, which is not the totality of my career - I wish I would have known that you don't have to sacrifice everything for a cause. And that self-care and self-preservation is also a tool that is necessary to do the work.
Tarana BurkeRead
I'm like thousands of women in South Africa who lost their men to cities and prisons... I stand defiant, tall and strong.
Winnie Madikizela-MandelaRead
Bravery shows up in everyday life when people have the courage to live their truth, their vision and their dreams.
Oprah WinfreyRead
There are uses to adversity, and they don't reveal themselves until tested. Whether it's serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unexpected strengths.
Sonia SotomayorRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by John Lewis | QuoteProject