I would rather be alone and a loud voice for action than be silent.
Susan RiceRead
Well, I think by any expectation South Africa has come a tremendously long way. We've seen a society that many people thought couldn't withstand a peaceful transition to democracy without a great deal of violence, in fact, make that transition and do it in relative peace and security.
Interpretation
South Africa has successfully transitioned to democracy without significant violence, contrary to expectations.
This quote emphasizes the remarkable progress South Africa has made in establishing a peaceful democratic society, defying the skepticism of many who believed that such a transformation would lead to violence and unrest. Susan Rice highlights the significance of this achievement, illustrating that societal change can occur without the anticipated turmoil, showcasing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
In practice
In a speech about social progress, one might reference this quote to illustrate the power of peaceful transformation.
I would rather be alone and a loud voice for action than be silent.
For the United States to recommit itself to the obligation that we undertook in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that many other states undertook, which was to work towards disarmament and the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons, is something that manifestly serves our national security interests.
I was conscious of the fact that it could be to my disadvantage to marry a white guy - that some folks would hold that against me.
One can't erase the tremendous burden of apartheid in 10 years, 20 years, I believe, even 30 years.
Well, Nigeria has played a constructive role in peacekeeping in various parts of West Africa. But unless and until Nigeria itself is democratic and respects human rights, it too may well be a source of much greater instability as political repression limits the ability of the people of Nigeria to achieve their full potential.
If you want change, you have to make it. If we want progress we have to drive it.
Every daring attempt to make a great change in existing conditions, every lofty vision of new possibilities for the human race, has been labeled Utopian.
Giants of Africa holds such a special place in my heart. It's not just another non-profit organization - this is personal. What started as a dream to give back to the country that raised me has since blossomed into an intercontinental mission to uplift youth across the diaspora, and shed light on the greatest part of Africa: its people.
Myself and the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement have been called terrorists, but in truth, we are loving women whose life experiences have led us to seek justice for those victimized by the powerful.
The glory of this land has been its capacity for transcending the moral evils of our past. For example, the long struggle of minority citizens for equal rights, once a source of disunity and civil war, is now a point of pride for all Americans. We must never go back. There is no room for racism, anti-Semitism, or other forms of ethnic and racial hatred in this country.
You cannot buy the revolution. You cannot make the revolution. You can only be the revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere.
Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter - but beautiful - struggle for a new world.
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