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.
Interpretation
To create a just and democratic society, we must ensure that our actions and processes are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
In this quote, Bayard Rustin emphasizes that the foundation of a truly democratic society is rooted in the principles of inclusion and equality. He argues that to achieve a society free from discrimination, every action taken in the construction of that society must reflect those values. Thus, democracy should not only be seen as an ultimate goal but also as a guiding principle throughout the development process, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, are treated fairly and with respect.
In practice
During a speech at a civil rights rally, you could use this quote to highlight the importance of inclusion in social movements.
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 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.
The proof that one truly believes is in action.
The second best thing about space travel is that the distances involved make war very difficult, usually impractical, and almost always unnecessary. This is probably a loss for most people, since war is our race's most popular diversion, one which gives purpose and color to dull and stupid lives. But it is a great boon to the intelligent man who fights only when he must-never for sport.
I shall ask for the abolition for the punishment of death until I have the infallibility of human judgment demonstrated to me.
Challenging the meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human.
Again, it may be said, that to love justice and equality the people need no great effort of virtue; it is sufficient that they love themselves.
To the moralist prostitution does not consist so much in the fact that the woman sells her body, but rather that she sells it out of wedlock.
Destruction is always an attractive idea. My brother and I used to spend weeks making models of cities so that we could destroy them in 15 minutes. There's a fantastic joy in destroying something that you've meticulously built. Then you're free to build a new thing. Destruction and creation... they're inseparable.
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