Being human Quote by Han Suyin
“I had to learn that there is more to the human being than material comfort, more than success, more even than national spirit or patriotism. That in any being worthy of being human there is also a demand for justice, for liberty, and that justice needs the evidence of all our lives, liberty is one and indivisible and collective, and no one can talk of justice solely for expediency's sake, nor of liberty while human beings, anywhere else on earth, are still in bondage.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Crippled Tree, 1965
Human dignity requires more than material wealth or patriotism; it demands justice and liberty for all, inseparable and collective.
In simple terms: Human worth needs justice and freedom for everyone.
Key Takeaway
Champion universal rights over narrow interests.
Themes
justice
liberty
human dignity
collective rights
social responsibility
Mood
determined
hopeful
serious
Type
ethical
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy making
- education
- community organizing
Key Concepts
human rights
ethical philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance collective liberty with individual freedoms?
- What responsibilities do we have toward those still in bondage?
A Different Perspective
Justice can clash with cultural traditions or political stability.
