Open your newspaper - any day of the week - and you will find a report from somewhere in the world of someone being imprisoned, tortured or executed because his opinions or religion are unacceptable to his government.
Peter BenensonRead
The candle burns not for us, but for all those whom we failed to rescue from prison, who were shot on the way to prison, who were tortured, who were kidnapped, who "disappeared". That's what the candle is for
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring those who have suffered injustices.
Peter Benenson's quote reflects on the profound significance of the candle as a symbol of remembrance for those whose lives were unjustly affected by oppression and violence. It highlights the moral responsibility to acknowledge the suffering of individuals who have faced extreme adversity, emphasizing that our actions, or lack thereof, have consequences for the lives of others. The candle serves not merely as a symbol to honor the dead but as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against inhumanity and the call to act for justice.
Themes
CandleRemembranceJusticeOppressionSufferingHuman Rights
In practice
Example use cases
In a memorial service, one might say this quote to honor the victims of tyranny.
More from Peter Benenson
All quotes →Torture is banned but in two-thirds of the world's countries it is still being committed in secret. Too many governments still allow wrongful imprisonment, murder or "disappearance" to be carried out by their officials with impunity.
Peter BenensonRead
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