"Réalisons que l'arc de l'univers moral est long mais il tend vers la justice."

The essence of this quote is that while the journey towards justice and equality may take a long time, progress is inevitable. The path is winding and can feel endless, but ultimately, it moves in the right direction. It's like saying, "Hang in there, things will get better."

This thought was famously echoed by Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement—a time when it seemed like there was no end to the fight against racial injustice. He wanted to remind people that even though change is slow, it does happen. King's message was a beacon of hope for many who were weary from the long struggle for civil rights.

Let's look at a real-life example to see how this idea plays out. Consider the history of women's suffrage in the United States. The fight for women's right to vote began in earnest in the mid-19th century with figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. They faced immense opposition and ridicule. It wasn't until 1920, after decades of relentless campaigning, that the 19th Amendment was passed, granting women the right to vote. This victory didn't come overnight. It took years of marches, protests, and lobbying—proof that the arc of the moral universe is, indeed, long but bends toward justice.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Think about any long-term goal you have, especially those involving social change or personal growth. Maybe you're advocating for a change in workplace policies to promote diversity and inclusion. It's going to be a marathon, not a sprint. You'll face setbacks and slow progress, but keep your eye on the bigger picture. Small victories add up over time. Stay persistent and patient, knowing that your efforts are part of a larger, inevitable shift towards justice and fairness.

Imagine you’re working in a company where you feel that employees from diverse backgrounds aren’t being treated fairly. It can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening. You start a diversity committee and propose changes, but the process is slow. Months pass, and it feels like nothing is changing. But then, bit by bit, you start noticing small shifts—more diverse hiring practices, more inclusive company events. It’s not a landslide victory, but it’s something. Your efforts, combined with those of others, are bending the arc towards justice.

In a way, it’s like planting a tree knowing you might never sit in its shade. But someone else will, and that’s what matters. You have to trust in the process and the eventual outcome. It’s about having faith in the long-term direction of justice and not getting disheartened by the slow pace.

Picture yourself telling this story to a friend over coffee. You’d probably say something like, “I know it feels like we're getting nowhere, but remember, change is slow. Look at history—these things take time, but they do happen. We just have to keep pushing.” This is the conversation Martin Luther King Jr. was having with his contemporaries, and it’s the conversation we need to have with ourselves today.

So, next time you’re feeling discouraged by the slow pace of change, remember the arc of the moral universe. It’s long, but it bends toward justice. Keep going, and be a part of that bend.