"There is no calamity which a great nation can invite which equals that which follows a supine submission to wrong and injustice and the consequent loss of national self-respect and honor, beneath which are shielded and defended a people's safety and greatness"
- Eldridge Cleaver
About this Quote
In this quote, Eldridge Cleaver is warning versus the threats of a nation blindly accepting and sending to misbehaviors and oppressions. He argues that this kind of passive behavior can lead to disastrous repercussions, even more so than any other calamity a country may face. Cleaver emphasizes the value of national self-esteem and honor, which he thinks are important for a nation's security and greatness. By permitting these worths to be jeopardized, a nation not only puts itself at risk, but also diminishes its own worth and capacity. Cleaver's words serve as a tip to always defend what is right and simply, and to never ever compromise one's concepts for the sake of benefit or peace.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"