The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
John LewisRead
We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that while we don't control when events occur, we must rise to the occasion and act when it matters.
John Lewis conveys the idea that the challenges and moments we face in life may not be of our own choosing, yet it is our responsibility to respond to them with courage and integrity. This highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and standing up for what is right when history calls upon us, encouraging individuals to take action even in the face of uncertainty.
Themes
CourageTimeResponsibilityActionHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might say this quote to inspire proactive change.
More from John Lewis
All quotes βThe scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
John LewisRead
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
John LewisRead
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
John LewisRead
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
John LewisRead
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
John LewisRead
Similar quotes
Fear has its use, but cowardice has none. I may not put my finger into the jaws of a snake, but the very sight of the snake need not strike terror into me.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.
AristotleRead
You have to stand up and say, 'There's nothing wrong with me or my shape or who I am; you're the one with the problem!'
Jennifer LopezRead
I live my life like everyone else; everyone has their own obstacles. Mine is deafness.
Marlee MatlinRead
Resistance is not a peripheral opponent. Resistance arises from within. It is self-generated and self-perpetuated. resistance is the enemy within.
Steven PressfieldRead
I still suffer terribly from stage fright. I get sick with fear. Not every night, but at the beginning and on occasion - not necessarily when I'm expecting it. You just have to cope with it - take it on the chin and work through it, trying to use the adrenalin to perform.
Helen MirrenRead