We want to be in control of our lives. Whether we are jungle fighters, craftsmen, company men, gamesmen, we want to be in control. And when the government erodes that control, we are not comfortable.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the human desire for control over one’s life and the discomfort that arises when that control is threatened.
Barbara Jordan highlights a fundamental aspect of human nature—the need to feel in control of our lives and choices. Regardless of our roles, whether as workers, leaders, or participants in society, we seek autonomy and agency. When external forces, such as government actions, encroach upon that control, it creates a sense of unease and dissatisfaction. This quote invites reflection on the balance between authority and personal freedoms.
In practice
During a public speech about individual rights, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of personal freedom.
Let's all understand that these guiding principles cannot be discarded for short-term political gains. They represent what this country is all about. They are indigenous to the American idea. And these are principles which are not negotiable.
What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance.
My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total, and I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminuation, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution. It is reason and not passion which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision.
Americanization means the process of becoming an American. It means civic incorporation, becoming a part of the polity - becoming one of us. But that does not mean conformity. We are more than a melting pot, we are a kaleidoscope, where every turn of history refracts new light on the old promise.
We cannot improve on the system of government handed down to us by the founders of the Republic. There is no way to improve upon that. But what we can do is to find new ways to implement that system and realize our destiny.
The arts, instead of quaking along the periphery of our policy concerns, must push boldly into the core of policy. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature and help to shape our identity. The arts are not a frill and should not be treated as such. They have the potential to become the driving force for healing division and divisiveness.
The bad man desires arbitrary power. What moves the evil man is the love of injustice.
Far away, our dreams have nothing to do with what we do. The wind carries the night, and passes on, aimless.
Discrimination is not liberal. Arguing against discrimination is not intolerance.
Some stories, she’d say, the more you tell them, the faster you use them up. Those kind, the drama burns off, and every version, they sound more silly and flat. The other kind of story, it uses you up. The more you tell it, the stronger it gets. Those kind of stories only remind you how stupid you were. Are. Will always be.
To say that a man lieth, is as much to say, as that he is brave towards God, and a coward towards men.
The moment you venture out, something takes place in you and about you. Life comes to your aid in various ways. You may not like the form in which it comes to you - it may be misery, struggle, starvation - but when you invite life, things begin to happen.
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