Accomplish Quote by Malcolm X
“I learned early that crying out in protest could accomplish things. My older brothers and sister had started to school when, sometimes, they would come in and ask for a buttered biscuit or something and my mother, impatiently, would tell them no. But I would cry out and make a fuss until I got what I wanted. I remember well how my mother asked me why I couldn't be a nice boy like Wilfred; but I would think to myself that Wilfred, for being so nice and quiet, often stayed hungry. So early in life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Autobiography of Malcolm X, 1965
Advocates using vocal protest to achieve goals, suggesting assertiveness can overcome passive resistance.
In simple terms: Speak up to get what you want.
Be assertive, make your needs known.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- negotiating with parents
- advocating at work
- activism
- standing up in school
- consumer complaints
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is silence more effective than noise?
- How do you balance assertiveness with respect?
May backfire if perceived as aggressive or selfish.