I’m not a prophet. I’m a destiny-changer. It’s all right to prophesy, but the best thing to do is change things, if you’ve got the power.
Sun RaRead
The outer space beings are my brothers. They sent me here. They already_x000D_ know my music.
Interpretation
The quote suggests a deep connection with otherworldly beings, implying that there is a cosmic brotherhood that transcends earthly existence.
Sun Ra's quote reflects his belief in a universal connection with extraterrestrial beings, portraying them as kindred spirits who understand him and his art. This idea is rooted in the broader themes of unity and existence beyond the earthly realm, suggesting that music and creativity can bridge gaps between different forms of life, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial.
In practice
In a speech about unity and diversity, one might use this quote to illustrate how art connects all beings.
I’m not a prophet. I’m a destiny-changer. It’s all right to prophesy, but the best thing to do is change things, if you’ve got the power.
I never wanted to be a part of planet Earth, but I am compelled to be here, so anything I do for this planet is because the Master-Creator of the Universe is making me do it. I am of another dimension. I am on this planet because people need me.
The possible has been tried and failed. Now it's time to try the impossible.
In the world of tomorrow, the new man will 'think' the place he wants to go, then his mind will take him there.
What I'm dealing with is so vast and great that it can't be called the truth. It's above the truth.
I always say it's not my Arkestra, it belongs to some other force which wants certain things, to reach people.
In the current socio-political climate, he said to himself, committing suicide is absurd and redundant. Better to become an undercover poet.
It’s like losing gravity and falling into space – the moment of pitching headlong when the endlessness of space asserts itself and there is no more down, only an eternity of up, and you realize you can fall forever and never run out of stars.
One principle I've been fighting for that doesn't endear me to a lot of people is that black people can be just as complicated and screwed up as white people. Our motives can be just as base and violent. Suffering does not necessarily ennoble you.
Unless a man gives himself entirely to the Cross, in a spirit of humility and self-abasement; unless he casts himself down to be trampled underfoot by all and despised, accepting injustice, contempt and mockery; unless he undergoes all these things with joy for the sake of the Lord, not claiming any kind of human reward whatsoever - glory or honor or earthly pleasures - he cannot become a true Christian.
Sometimes I wonder if suicides aren't in fact sad guardians of the meaning of life.
You have learned enough to see that cats are much like you and me.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.