Atheism Quote by Oscar Wilde
“To exercise power costs effort and demands courage. That is why so many fail to assert rights to which they are perfectly entitled - because a right is a kind of power but they are too lazy or too cowardly to exercise it. The virtues which cloak these faults are called patience and forbearance.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Soul of Man under Socialism, 1891
Exercising one's rights requires effort and bravery; many fail because they avoid the necessary work.
In simple terms: Rights need courage to be used.
Act on your entitlements.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- legal claims
- daily decision making
- standing up at work
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What rights are you neglecting?
- How can you build courage to claim them?
People may lack resources or face oppression that makes exercising rights risky.