Sometimes," he [Congressmen John Lewis] said, "you have to…
![“Sometimes," he [Congressmen John Lewis] said, "you have to ask for something that you know you may not get. And still you have to ask for it. It's still worth fighting for and, even if you don't believe that you will see it in your lifetime, you have got to hold it up so that the generation that…” quote by Jonathan Kozol](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/719/jonathan-kozol-2747_fight_sometimes-he-congressmen-john-lewis-said_1062175.jpg)
““Sometimes," he [Congressmen John Lewis] said, "you have to ask for something that you know you may not get. And still you have to ask for it. It's still worth fighting for and, even if you don't believe that you will see it in your lifetime, you have got to hold it up so that the generation that comes next will take it from your hands and, in their own time, see it as a goal worth fighting for again.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocacy requires asking for change even when success seems unlikely, to inspire future generations.
In simple terms: Ask for change despite doubt.
Key Takeaway
Persist in advocacy.
Themes
activism
hope
generational legacy
Mood
determined
inspiring
Type
political
motivational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- education equity
- community organizing
- environmental action
Key Concepts
social justice
civic engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- What causes you to keep fighting?
- How can you motivate the next generation?
A Different Perspective
Some may view persistent hope as unrealistic.