Desmond Tutu (born in South Africa in 1931) is one of the most admired clerics and pacifist activists who fought against apartheid in his country.
Due to his incessant fight for the rights of black citizens in an extremely unequal and racist society like South Africa in the early and mid-20th century, Desmond Tutu’s work had international relevance and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984
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Famous phrases and quotes by Desmond Tutu
To honor this South African religious, We have decided to compile the best phrases of Desmond Tutu They are famous quotes that remind us of the value of peace and brotherhood.
We start with this selection of thoughts from the South African leader.
1. I imagine God crying when he sees that his church allows itself to waste time condemning homosexuals, while half the world is hungry and AIDS is ravaging.
A reflection on the hypocrisy shown by some sectors of the Church.
2. We treat them as outcasts and push them out of our communities. They make us doubt that they are also Sons of God and this is close to being blasphemy. We blame them for being what they are.
A phrase to reflect on hate and discrimination.
3. Be kind to white people, who need to rediscover their humanity.
A famous quote by Desmond Tutu where he urges us to be kind even to the nation’s oppressors.
4. Whenever the economic system goes wrong, racism arises.
Some political factions take advantage of bad economic times to target immigrants. Something that Europe and the United States have also experienced.
5. Repairing injustices without creating justice always ends up making reality worse.
An eye for an eye does not solve society’s ills. A valuable phrase from Desmond Tutu.
6. God, we know you’re in charge but… Couldn’t you make yourself a little more obvious?
A prayer addressed to God, who seems to be somewhat absent at many times.
7. I am not interested in picking up the crumbs of compassion that fall from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full rights menu.
A brilliant metaphor that speaks of justice and dignity.
8. Politicians should banish the word never because things change and peace is made with enemies and not with friends.
Another phrase of peace that many world leaders should read.
9. Resentment and anger are bad for blood pressure and digestion.
Bad sensations that only bring with them certain psychosomatic problems.
10. My humanity is linked to yours, because we can only be human together.
Equality between humans guarantees the harmony and well-being of the population.
11. Retaliation against terrorism does not bring peace. There is a suicide bomber, a retaliation, and then a counter-retaliation. And it just goes on and on.
The law of retaliation that can never end in a state of peace, since it only generates hatred and more hatred.
12. Forgiveness is an absolute necessity for the continuation of human existence.
How can we forgive the one who hurt us? Desmond Tutu proposes doing it in order to live in peace.
13. What the hell is going on with churches? How is it possible to fight against racism and not against homophobia? Sexual orientation is not chosen. Black people do not choose to be black; neither do homosexuals.
Ahead of his time, Tutu analyzes the problem of the gay community.
14. A parent who leads their child to be a racist harms the child, harms the community where they live, harms our hopes for a better world. A father who teaches his son that there is only one sexual orientation and that anything else is evil denies our humanity and his as well.
The pernicious effect of racism is absolutely uncontrollable.
15. We fought against Apartheid in South Africa, with the support of people around the world, for people who were blamed for being black and forced to suffer for something they could do nothing about. It’s the same with sexual orientation. It’s a gift.
Another phrase that challenges the persecution of homosexual people.
16. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
One of his most famous phrases about injustice.
17. My father used to say: Don’t raise your voice… improve your argument.
A phrase about intelligence and how to improve your speech to convince others.
18. In the land of my birth I cannot vote, while a young man of eighteen years old can vote. And because? Because he or she possesses that wonderful biological attribute.
It refers to the fact that this young man is white. A painful proof of the racism of his native country.
19. We live in a universe that is characterized by diversity.
And yet, we insist on dismissing and repelling those who are different from us.
20. Exclusion is not the way forward on our shared path to freedom and justice.
Another phrase that appeals to humanity and reconciliation.
21. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
A paradox of modern life.
22. As human beings we have the most extraordinary capacity for evil. We can commit some of the most horrendous atrocities.
The 20th century was a time that confirmed that this phrase by Desmond Tutu is totally true.
23. Niger is not an isolated island of despair. It lies within a sea of ​​problems across Africa – particularly ‘forgotten emergencies’ in poor countries or regions with little strategic or material appeal.
About the Central African country.
24. In the case of South Africa, many of those who were part of death squads would have been respectable members of the white community, people who went to church on Sundays, every Sunday.
Another quote about racism and those who perpetrate it.
25. In many ways, when you are a Nobel Peace Prize winner, you have an obligation towards humanity, towards society.
Tutu, in a vision that demonstrates his leadership and his constant struggle for peace.