Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"أقول لطلابي عندما تحصلون على هذه الوظائف التي تدربتم عليها ببراعة، تذكروا أن عملكم الحقيقي هو أنه إذا كنتم أحرارًا، يجب عليكم تحرير شخص آخر. إذا كان لديكم بعض القوة، فعلى عملكم أن يمكن شخصًا آخر."

Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison Novelist
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
This quote emphasizes that success isn’t just about personal achievement. It's about using the advantages you've gained to help others. Imagine you've worked hard, aced your exams, landed a great job. You're at the top of your game. The real mission, though? Lifting others as you rise.

This idea isn't new. It resonates with teachings across cultures and histories. Think about social movements, for instance. Civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela didn't just strive for their own freedom but worked tirelessly to secure it for others. They understood that true progress is collective. Maybe the person who said this quote was inspired by such leaders, or perhaps they’ve witnessed firsthand the power of shared success.

Picture this: you're a manager in a tech company. You've got the latest gadgetry, the coolest projects, and a team that's raring to go. Among your team, there's a junior developer who shows promise but lacks confidence. You remember the essence of this quote. You mentor them, give them challenging tasks, and celebrate their small victories. Eventually, they blossom, bringing innovative ideas to the table, enriching the entire project. That's the quote in action—using your position to elevate someone else.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by being aware of your privileges and strengths. If you’ve got knowledge, share it. Offer guidance to someone struggling in your field. If you hold a position of power, advocate for those who don’t. Simple acts, like recommending a colleague for a project or providing constructive feedback, can have profound impacts. Empowerment isn’t about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s the small, consistent support that makes a difference.

Let’s break it down with a relatable scenario. You're at a coffee shop (picture the cozy ambiance, the hum of conversation, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee). You spot a student hunched over their laptop, stress etched on their face. You remember your own college days—burning the midnight oil, wrestling with complex theories, the anxiety of impending deadlines. You strike up a conversation, offering them tips on tackling tough assignments or even just sharing a kind word. In that moment, you're not just reminiscing about your past struggles; you're actively making a difference in someone else's journey. It's a small act, but it can ripple out in unexpected ways.

In essence, this quote is a call to action. It’s a reminder that our achievements, our freedoms, our powers—they’re not meant to be hoarded. They’re tools to help build a better, more inclusive world. So, next time you’re celebrating a win, think about who you can bring along with you. After all, what’s the point of climbing the ladder if you’re doing it alone? Use your success to create success stories for others. That’s the true measure of accomplishment.
Related tags
Community Education Empowerment Freedom Leadership Mentorship Pay it forward Responsibility Social justice Teaching
MORE QUOTES BY Toni Morrison
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon