Citizens Quote by Martha Gellhorn
“Public opinion, though slow as lava, in the end forces governments towards more sanity, more justice. My heroes and heroines are all private citizens.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview with Martha Gellhorn, 1975
Public sentiment, even when gradual, eventually compels authorities to act more rationally and fairly.
In simple terms: Public opinion slowly pushes governments to be sensible and just.
Key Takeaway
Listen to the people’s voice.
Themes
public opinion
government
justice
citizen empowerment
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- human rights advocacy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social change
collective pressure
democratic accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens amplify their influence?
- What obstacles hinder public pressure?
A Different Perspective
Change can be slow and may face resistance from entrenched interests.
![“The antidote to hatred in the heart, the source of violence, is tolerance. Tolerance is an important virtue of bodhisattvas [enlightened heroes and heroines] - it enables you to refrain from reacting angrily to the harm inflicted on you by others. You could call this practice "inner disarmament,"…” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/837/dalai-lama-89_antidote_the-antidote-to-hatred-in-the-heart-the_1440504.jpg)
