The task of the media in a democracy is not to ease the path of those who govern, but to make life difficult for them by constant vigilance as to how they exercise the power they only hold in trust from the people.
From the very depth of my being, I challenge the right of any man or any group of men, in business or in government, to tell a fellow human being that he or she is expendable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the inherent value of every individual and challenges the notion that any person can be deemed unimportant or replaceable.
Jimmy Reid's quote speaks to the core value of human dignity and the belief that no one should be considered expendable, whether in the context of business or government. It serves as a powerful reminder that each individual has unique worth and contributions, and it criticizes structures that fail to recognize or respect this fundamental truth. By asserting this challenge, Reid encourages a more compassionate and equitable perspective towards one another in society.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on workplace equality, one might use this quote to advocate for the value of each employee.
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Live your life without hurting anybody. Harmlessness is a most powerful form of Yoga and it will take you speedily to your goal. This is what I call nisarga yoga, the Natural yoga. It is the art of living in peace and harmony, in friendliness and love. The fruit of it is happiness, uncaused and endless.