"Le monde souffre beaucoup. Non pas à cause de la violence des mauvaises personnes. Mais à cause du silence des bonnes personnes."

When we hear about the world’s problems—wars, injustices, corruption—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The quote speaks to the very heart of this sense of helplessness, pointing out that it's not just the actions of the bad guys that keep the world in turmoil. It's also the good guys who stay quiet when they should be speaking up.

This idea makes you think, right? It’s saying that good people, by not taking action or speaking out against wrongdoings, unintentionally allow those bad actions to continue. It's a call to arms for the everyday person. Remain silent, and you’re part of the problem. Speak up, and you might just be part of the solution.

Let’s look at history for a second. Think back to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. If you were alive during the 1960s—heck, even if you weren’t—you’ve probably heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was one of those ‘good people’ who decided not to stay silent. His speeches, like “I Have a Dream,” were powerful not just because of the words, but because they broke the silence. They gave a voice to the voiceless, urging white allies to join the fight. Imagine if he had decided to stay quiet. His silence would’ve been a nod in favor of the status quo, leaving so many people to suffer.

Now, think about a situation closer to home. Say you’re at work, and you see a colleague being bullied by a manager. It’s easy to think, “This isn’t my problem,” and to just stay silent. But what happens if everyone thinks that way? The bullying continues unchecked. Now flip the scenario. If you speak up, maybe even get others to join you, you can make a real difference. Your voice could be the catalyst for change, pushing HR or higher management to step in and address the issue.

So, how can we take this wisdom to heart in our daily lives? It starts with being aware and engaged with what’s happening around you. We live in an age where information is at our fingertips. Ignorance isn’t an excuse anymore. Next, practice courage in small ways. If you see something wrong, speak up. It might feel risky, but that’s the point. Change often starts with a little bit of discomfort.

Imagine a young girl in school who’s being picked on. She’s got a friend who sees what’s happening but is scared to step in. That friend feels awful every time she sees the bullying, but she rationalizes staying quiet—thinking she’s just one person, what can she do? One day, she decides enough is enough. She stands beside her friend, tells the bullies to back off, and gets a teacher involved. The bullying stops. That’s the power of breaking the silence.

In the end, the message is simple but profound: Your voice matters. By speaking up, you can help right the wrongs you see around you. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice—it might just be the spark that ignites real change. So, next time you see a situation that doesn’t sit right with you, think about this: Are you going to be part of the silence that lets it continue, or will you speak up and make a difference?