"The oppressed peoples can liberate themselves only through struggle. This is a simple and clear truth confirmed by history"
- Kim Il-sung
About this Quote
This quote by Kim Il-sung speaks with the power of battle and the importance of collective action in attaining liberation. He is suggesting that oppressed peoples can not rely on external forces to release them from their oppression, but should instead take matters into their own hands and defend their own liberation. This is an idea that has been echoed throughout history, from the American Revolution to the civil rights motion. It is a tip that those who are oppressed should do something about it and defend their rights if they are to be liberated. It is also a pointer that the struggle for freedom is challenging, and that it needs commitment and determination. Kim Il-sung's quote is a call to action for those who are oppressed, and a suggestion that liberation is possible through cumulative struggle.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
