There's no reason for the establishment to fear me. But it has every right to fear the people collectively - I am one with the people.
Huey NewtonRead
But before we die, how shall we live? I say with hope and dignity; and if premature death is the result, that death has a meaning reactionary suicide can never have. It is the price of self-respect.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with hope and dignity, even in the face of death.
Huey Newton's quote reflects a profound philosophical perspective on the value of life and self-respect. He suggests that how one chooses to live, with hope and dignity, is more significant than the inevitability of death. The notion of 'premature death' is framed not as a senseless end, but as one that can carry meaning when it stems from a life lived authentically and honorably. In contrast, 'reactionary suicide' lacks the dignity and purpose that comes from living with integrity, underscoring the idea that the manner of one's living is paramount, regardless of the outcome.
Themes
HopeDignitySelf-RespectLifeDeath
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, one might use the quote to inspire students to live with hope and dignity.
More from Huey Newton
All quotes →Those in the community who defy authority and 'break the law' seem to enjoy the good life and have everything in the way of material possessions. On the other hand, people who work hard and struggle and suffer much are the victims of greed and indifference, losers. This insane reversal of values presses heavily on the Black community. The causes originate from outside and are imposed by a system that ruthlessly seeks its own rewards, no matter what the cost in wrecked human lives.
Huey NewtonRead
There will be no prison which can hold our movement down.
Huey NewtonRead
I expected to die. At no time before the trial did I expect to escape with my life. Yet being executed in the gas chamber did not necessarily mean defeat. It could be one more step to bring the community to a higher level of consciousness.
Huey NewtonRead
By surrendering my life to the revolution, I found eternal life
Huey NewtonRead
Youths are passed through schools that don’t teach, then forced to search for jobs that don’t exist and finally left stranded in the street to stare at the glamorous lives advertised around them.
Huey NewtonRead
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