Independence is never given to a people, it has to be earned; and, once earned, must be defended.
Interpretation
True independence requires effort and vigilance to maintain.
This quote emphasizes that independence is not simply granted to a group; it is a hard-fought achievement that requires perseverance and a commitment to protect it. It highlights the idea that once a society gains its autonomy, it must constantly work to safeguard its freedoms against external and internal threats.
In practice
During a speech about national pride and autonomy.
Palestine must be built up without violating the legitimate interests of the Arabs.. Palestine is not Rhodesia... 600,0000 Arabs live there, who before the sense of justice of the world have exactly the same rights to their homes as we have to our National Home.
A law is something which must have a moral basis, so that there is an inner compelling force for every citizen to obey.
Sooner or later a man has simply got to do what he thinks is right, no matter what other people, or the courts, or his friends, or his enemies, or God himself may tell him.
When she spoke again it was in the thin, careful and above all brave voice of someone who has pulled themselves together despite overwhelming odds but might let go again at any moment.
If you are hurt, whether in mind or body, don't nurse your bruises. Get up, and light-heartedly, courageously, good-temperedly, get ready for the next encounter.
Faith ventures and hazards . . . counting the costs and delighting in the sacrifice.
...you have to learn where your pain is. You have to burrow down and find the wound, and if the burden of it is too terrible to shoulder, you have to shout it out; you have to shout for help... And then finally, the way through grief is grieving.
The governments of Europe are afraid to trust the people with arms. If they did, the people would certainly shake off the yoke of tyranny, as America did.
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