There are two Mustafa Kemals. One the flesh-and-blood Mustafa Kemal who now stands before you and who will pass away. The other is you, all of you here who will go to the far corners of our land to spread the ideals which must be defended with your lives if necessary. I stand for the nation's dreams, and my life's work is to make them come true.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of collective ideals and the responsibility of individuals to uphold and spread them.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk highlights the duality of his existence as both a leader and a symbol of the nation's aspirations. He urges those present to remember that while he is just a man who will eventually die, his ideals and dreams for the nation live on through them. This call to action reflects the deeper commitment required to realize the nation's aspirations, demonstrating that each person carries a part of this legacy forward.
In practice
During a motivational speech to young leaders, one could quote Ataturk to encourage them to pursue their ideals.
Would not obeying to my mother's warnings, who is at least 25 years older than me, be returning to the past? And rebelling against her would mean ruining my mother's, who, I am convinced that, is a virtuous high woman, heart and evaluations. I do not find this right, either.
I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap. My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will; every man can follow his own conscience, provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him against the liberty of his fellow-men.
God is my witness that up to now, my only aspiration in life is to be a useful element within the army! I have for long been convinced that, to safeguard the country and give happiness to the people, it is necessary first of all to prove once more to the world that our army is still the old Turkish army.
The necessary thing for anyone to be happy and contented as long as he lives is working for the ones who will come after him rather than working for himself... One can reach the true delight and happiness in the life only by working for the existence, honor, and happiness of the future generations.
On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, İstanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens.
A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.
Recognise excellence. Celebrate weirdness and innovation. Oddballs should be cherished, if they can do something other people can't do.
Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
I'm honored to have been chosen as a fellow of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. I am hugely appreciative for the support I have had throughout my life, and I look forward to using the grant to help institutions that have fed my soul and to support new work that inspires me.
There is no greater honour than to be the instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the kingdom of Satan into the glorious light of Heaven.
God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go.
I feel we need to remind the world about the Apollo missions and that we can still do impossible things.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.