Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"The quietly pacifist peaceful always die to make room for men who shout."

Alice Walker
Alice Walker Author
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward: those who are quiet and peaceful often end up being overshadowed or even pushed aside by more aggressive, vocal individuals. It paints a somewhat bleak picture of the world, suggesting that the gentle and calm people don't always stand a chance against the loud, the aggressive, and the assertive.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Think back to any major movement or revolution. It’s usually the loud, assertive leaders we remember – the ones who shouted their cause from the rooftops. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., or Malcolm X, for example. Their voices were loud, their messages clear, and their presence undeniable. Meanwhile, there were countless others working quietly, behind the scenes, their contributions just as important but less recognized because they weren't in the spotlight.

Let’s take a look at a real-world example. Picture a modern-day office. There’s Jane, who’s always diligently working on her tasks, never causing a fuss, never seeking the limelight. She's the glue that holds her team together, but she’s quiet about it. Then there's Tom. He’s loud, always pitching ideas (some great, some not so much), and constantly making sure everyone notices his contributions. When it comes time for promotions, who do you think gets the nod? More often than not, it's Tom. His shouting – metaphorically speaking – makes him more visible, more noticeable.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Well, it doesn’t mean you have to change who you are fundamentally. If you're naturally peaceful and quiet, that’s fine. But it does suggest that sometimes, you need to make sure your voice is heard. You don’t have to shout, but you do need to speak up. Make your contributions known, don’t let your work go unnoticed, and occasionally, step into the spotlight.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering. You’re the type who enjoys listening to others, letting everyone else have their say. But sometimes, if you want your opinion to matter, you have to jump in – even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. Think about that time when your family was deciding where to go on vacation. You had a perfect suggestion, but you stayed quiet, and the decision was made without your input. Next time, just say it. Your voice deserves to be heard too.

In summary, the key takeaway here is balance. It’s not about becoming someone you’re not, but about recognizing that in a world full of noise, sometimes you need to raise your voice a little to make sure you don’t get drowned out. Don’t let the shouters push you aside. Make your mark, in your own way.
Related tags
Aggression Conflict Martyrdom Pacifism Peace Power dynamics Sacrifice Shouting Social commentary Violence
MORE QUOTES BY Alice Walker
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon