We prefer self-government with danger to servitude in tranquility.
Interpretation
It is better to face risks and challenges while maintaining one's freedom than to live in peace while being subjugated.
Kwame Nkrumah's quote emphasizes the value of autonomy and self-determination over the comfort that comes with oppression. He suggests that the risks and dangers associated with self-governance are more preferable than the tranquility of a controlled existence, which he views as a form of servitude. This perspective champions the idea that freedom, even when fraught with peril, is essential to the dignity and worth of individuals and societies.
In practice
During a speech on independence, this quote can inspire people to value their freedom over comfort.
As far as i am concerned, i am in the knowledge that death can never extinguish the torch which i have lit in Ghana and Africa. Long after i am dead and gone, the light will continue to burn and be borne aloft, giving light and guidance to all people
It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.
At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!
There is a close connection between socio-political development, the struggle between social classes and the history of ideologies. In general, intellectual movements closely reflect the trends of economic developments. In communal society, where there are virtually no class divisions, man's productive activities on outlook and culture is less discernible. Account must be taken of the psychology of conflicting classes.
The essence of neo-colonialism is that the State which is subject to it is, in theory, independent and has all the outward trappings of international sovereignty. In reality its economic system and thus its political policy is directed from outside.
Those who would judge us merely by the heights we have achieved would do well to remember the depths from which we started.
Real action is in silent moments.
I believe we are put here to improve civilisation.
Extremes are for us as though they were not, and we are not within their notice. They escape us, or we them. This is our true state; this is what makes us incapable of certain knowledge and of absolute ignorance... This is our natural condition, and yet most contrary to our inclination; we burn with desire to find solid ground and an ultimate sure foundation whereon to build a tower reaching to the Infinite. But our whole groundwork cracks, and the earth opens to abysses.
Every successful revolution puts on in time the robes of the tyrant it has deposed.
Truly thou art damned, like an ill-roasted egg, all on one side.
Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.