We are going by you without fighting if you will let us, but we are going by you anyhow!
Interpretation
This quote expresses determination and the inevitability of progress despite resistance.
Chief Joseph's quote highlights the resolve to move forward, emphasizing that actions will be taken regardless of opposition. It reflects a deep-seated courage to advance towards goals and objectives, advocating for peaceful transition where possible, but acknowledging that change is unavoidable.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
We do not want churches because they will teach us to quarrel about God. We do not want to learn that. We may quarrel with men sometimes about things on this earth, but we never quarrel about the Great Spirit. We do not want to learn that.
Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to talk, think and act for myself β and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty.
It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises.
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.
All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity.
Getting to the top of any given mountain was considered much less important than how one got there: prestige was earned by tackling the most unforgiving routes with minimal equipment, in the boldest style imaginable.
Nobody but radicals have ever accomplished anything in a great crisis.
Three words remain that can yet stir the blood of man: the word 'rebellion'; the word 'revolt'; the word 'revolution'.
We speak here of the challenge of the dichotomies of war and peace, violence and non-violence, racism and human dignity, oppression and repression and liberty and human rights, poverty and freedom from want.
I shall earnestly and persistently continue to urge all women to the practical recognition of the old Revolutionary maxim. Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.
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