In fact, I thought that Christianity was very a good and a very valuable thing for us. But after a while, I began to feel that the story that I was told about this religion wasn't perhaps completely whole, that something was left out.
In such a regime, I say, you died a good death if your life had inspired someone to come forward and shoot your murderer in the chest-without asking to be paid.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A meaningful life can lead others to act courageously in the face of injustice.
Chinua Achebe's quote reflects on the profound impact one life can have on another, suggesting that a truly good life is one that inspires others to take bold actions against wrongdoing, even at great personal risk. The idea of shooting the murderer symbolizes a strong response to injustice, indicating that a legacy of inspiration may ignite a sense of duty in others to confront evil, emphasizing the importance of living a life of purpose and courage.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about activism, one might say, 'As Achebe reminds us, living a life of purpose can inspire others to stand up against injustice.'
More from Chinua Achebe
All quotes βWriters don't give prescriptions. They give headaches!
Mr. Brown had thought of nothing but numbers. He should have known that the kingdom of God did not depend on large crowds. Our Lord Himself stressed the importance of fewness. Narrow is the way and few the number. To fill the Lord's holy temple with an idolatrous crowd clamoring for signs was a folly of everlasting consequence. Our Lord used the whip only once in His life - to drive the crowd away from His church.
It is the storyteller who makes us what we are, who creates history. The storyteller creates the memory that the survivors must have - otherwise their surviving would have no meaning.
Writing has always been a serious business for me. I felt it was a moral obligation. A major concern of the time was the absence of the African voice. Being part of that dialogue meant not only sitting at the table but effectively telling the African story from an African perspective - in full earshot of the world.
An angry man is always a stupid man.
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There is one good thing about reaching the bottom. When you get there, there's nothing left to do but fight your way back up or die.
There are more people living in Lower Manhattan now than before the terrorist attacks. That's faith for you. There's such a strong spirit here.
Fortune sides with him who dares.