It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Self-centered anger generates evil, but wrath at social injustice becomes the driving force for reform. Strong language that censures and combats a great evil often awakens adverse reactions from society, but this must not intimidate those who believe they are right. A lion is a lion because he roars.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anger can cause harm, but righteous anger against injustice can inspire positive change.
This quote by Daisaku Ikeda emphasizes the dual nature of anger; while self-centered anger can lead to negative outcomes, anger that responds to social injustice can serve as a powerful catalyst for reform. It acknowledges that strong and passionate language aimed at challenging significant evils may provoke backlash, but advocates maintaining conviction and courage in the face of such adversity, suggesting that just as a lion roars to assert its presence, those fighting for justice must also express their rightful indignation.
Themes
AngerInjusticeReformCourageSocial Change
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of standing up against injustice.
More from Daisaku Ikeda
All quotes βThereβs no need for us to be held back by the past or how things have been so far. The important thing is what seeds we are sowing now for the future.
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True love should be transformative; a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people. It can make us stronger, lift us higher and deepen us as individuals. Only to the extent that we polish ourselves now can we hope to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.
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Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
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Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights.
Daisaku IkedaRead
Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness.
Daisaku IkedaRead
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