A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
You're living at a time of extremism, a time of revolution _x000D_ A time where there's got to be a change. People in power have misused it _x000D_ And now there has to be a change and a better world has to be built _x000D_ And the only way is going to be built is with extreme methods _x000D_ And I for one will join with anyone, don't care what color you are _x000D_ As long as you want change this miserable condition that exists on this earth
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the necessity for radical change in society to address injustices and improve the world.
Malcolm X's quote speaks to the urgency of transformation during turbulent times marked by extremism and societal discontent. He reflects on how those in power have often exploited their positions, leading to widespread dissatisfaction that demands significant change. His willingness to unite with anyone, regardless of their background, underscores a collective desire for a better future, suggesting that achieving meaningful improvement may require unconventional and assertive approaches.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice movements.
More from Malcolm X
All quotes →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.
When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
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...
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.
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.
Similar quotes
Not to wax nostalgic about the 1970s, but back then people got upset when they saw injustice. They got tired of seeing our air, land and water polluted. They were shocked when the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was polluted so badly it caught fire. And on one great day 20 million Americans marched all across this land. Politicians had no choice but to take notice.
In this speedy world of ours when facts are multiplying rapidly and giant rearrangements are happening all around us, it seems dangerous to be made nervous by the new - to want what we can never have, to want things not to be rearranged. It would be better to be able to take the leap, which is to be able not only to live with change and newness, but even to help make it.
How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.
Did I not feel that the time has come for the questions of women's wrongs to be laid before the public? Did I not believe that women herself must do this work, for women alone understand the height, the depth, the breadth of her degradation. - Seneca Falls Convention, 1848
There may be some difficulties, some interruptions, but as a nation and as a people, we are going to build a truly multiracial, democratic society that maybe can emerge as a model for the rest of the world.
Change isn't made by asking permission. Change is made by asking forgiveness, later.