Diversity Quote by Donavan Nelson Butler, Master Sergeant US Army
““The greatest risk most of us will take in our lifetime is that of repression or denial of basic rights of another person. The great risk is that you have no idea what will happen if that person you think so small or insignificant of stands up and totally eclipses the Sun in the universe of those lacking in empathy, humility, and humbleness.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown military address, 2020s
Denial of others' rights can lead to unexpected, powerful backlash from those underestimated.
In simple terms: Ignoring others' rights can cause big problems.
Key Takeaway
Respect all rights, even for the seemingly small.
Themes
rights
empathy
humility
power dynamics
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- human rights advocacy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social justice
ethical responsibility
unintended consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure we hear the quiet?
- What safeguards protect against unseen backlash?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate the impact of marginalized voices.
