A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that a nation that is willing to sacrifice for its life and freedom cannot truly be defeated.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's quote reflects the strength and resilience of a nation that prioritizes its freedom and life, suggesting that such a commitment makes it invincible in the face of oppression. It underscores the idea that true endurance stems from a willingness to sacrifice, framing freedom as a hard-won and essential right that cannot be easily taken away when defended earnestly.
In practice
In a speech about national pride and sacrifice during a commemoration event.
Would not obeying to my mother's warnings, who is at least 25 years older than me, be returning to the past? And rebelling against her would mean ruining my mother's, who, I am convinced that, is a virtuous high woman, heart and evaluations. I do not find this right, either.
I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap. My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will; every man can follow his own conscience, provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him against the liberty of his fellow-men.
God is my witness that up to now, my only aspiration in life is to be a useful element within the army! I have for long been convinced that, to safeguard the country and give happiness to the people, it is necessary first of all to prove once more to the world that our army is still the old Turkish army.
The necessary thing for anyone to be happy and contented as long as he lives is working for the ones who will come after him rather than working for himself... One can reach the true delight and happiness in the life only by working for the existence, honor, and happiness of the future generations.
On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, İstanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens.
Ours is a fully democratic government, which in our language we call a people's government.
Only the strong go crazy. The weak just go along.
The greatest hazard in life is to risk NOTHING.
There’s no way I’m going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country.
People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically... No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.
It is not these well-fed long-haired men that I fear, but the pale and the hungry-looking.
There is so much history of this racist violence that simply to bring one person to justice is not going to disturb the whole racist edifice.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.