I am the voice of the voiceless; Through me the dumb shall speak. Till the deaf world's ears be made to hear. The wrongs of the wordless weak. And I am my brothers keeper, And I will fight his fights; And speak the words for beast and bird. Till the world shall set things right.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves and fighting for justice on their behalf.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's quote highlights the responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless and to advocate for those who are marginalized or oppressed. It calls for empathy and action, urging individuals to fight for justice not only for humans but also for all living beings. By stating 'I am my brother's keeper,' it underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the duty to uphold the rights and dignity of others, emphasizing that we should strive to make the world a fairer place for everyone.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice to emphasize the importance of advocacy.
Sweep up the debris of decaying faith; _x000D_ Sweep down the cobwebs of worn-out out beliefs, _x000D_ And throw your soul wide open to the light of reason and of knowledge. _x000D_ Be not afraid _x000D_ To thrust aside half-truths and grasp the whole.
A weed is but an unloved flower.
So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind while just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs.
'Tis easy enough to be pleasant, When life flows along like a song; But the man worth while is the one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong.
Do you wish the world were happy? Then remember day by day, just to scatter seeds of kindness as you pass along the way. . . .
It is easy to be pleasant when life flows by like a song, but the man worth while is the one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with years, and the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through the tears.
Ask for work. If they don't give you work, ask for bread. If they do not give you work or bread, then take bread.
True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world.
I believe in pride of race and lineage and self: in pride of self so deep as to scorn injustice to other selves.
I have me brave women who are exploring the outer edge of human possibility, with no history to guide them, and with a courage to make themselves vulnerable that I find moving beyond words.
Here, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time, I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery!
Now I can say loudly and openly what I have been saying to myself on my knees.
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