QuoteProject
Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Malcolm X
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that in struggles for justice, time and truth favor those who are oppressed rather than their oppressors.

Malcolm X asserts that in the ongoing fight against oppression, both time and truth are powerful allies for the oppressed. This implies that the inevitability of change and the inherent validity of truth serve to empower those who suffer injustices, making it clear that their cause is righteous and ultimately destined to prevail against tyranny.

Themes

OppressedTruthJusticeTimeOppressor

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech advocating for social justice, one could quote Malcolm X to highlight the importance of standing up for truth and justice.

More from Malcolm X

A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
Malcolm XRead
When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
Malcolm XRead
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have — and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth — you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
Malcolm XRead
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
Malcolm XRead
Not long ago, an English writer telephoned me from London, asking questions. One was "What's your alma mater?" I told him, "Books." You will never catch me with a free fifteen minutes in which I'm not studying something I feel might be able to help the black man.
Malcolm XRead

Similar quotes

My whole thing is, I've got to be as good, as courageous as what's written on the page.
Viola DavisRead
Now I have shed my first blood. I feel no qualms, no pride, no remorse. There is only a weary indifference that will follow me throughout the war.
Audie MurphyRead
The unarmed man is not just defenseless - he is also contemptible.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
To be a spiritual warrior means to develop a special kind of courage, one that is innately intelligent, gentle, and fearless. Spiritual warriors can still be frightened, but even so they are courageous enough to taste suffering, to relate clearly to their fundamental fear, and to draw out without evasion the lessons from difficulties.
Sogyal RinpocheRead
Anyone can see the adversity in a difficult situation, but it takes a stronger person to see the opportunity.
Drew BreesRead
I don't think nations can stand aside for ethnic cleansing and genocide.
John MajorRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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