Dialectical Quote by Thomas Sankara
““Humankind does not submit passively to the power of nature. It takes control over this power. This process is not an internal or subjective one. It takes place objectively in practice, once women cease to be viewed as mere sexual beings, once we look beyond their biological functions and become conscious of their weight as an active social force. What's more, woman's consciousness of herself is not only a product of her sexuality. It reflects her position as determined by the economic structure of society, which in turn expresses the level reached by humankind in technological development and the relations between classes. The importance of dialectical materialism lies in going beyond the inherent limits of biology, rejecting simplistic theories about our being slaves to the nature of our species, and, instead, placing facts in their social and economic context.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the People of Burkina Faso, 1985
Human progress requires actively reshaping nature and society, not passively accepting biological limits; women's role must be seen as a social force shaped by economics and technology.
In simple terms: Progress needs active change, not passive acceptance; women are social agents.
Key Takeaway
Empower women, reshape economic structures.
Themes
gender equality
social change
dialectical materialism
technology
economics
Mood
determined
critical
inspirational
Type
political
philosophical
sociological
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- education
- labor movements
- technological innovation
- class analysis
Key Concepts
Marxist feminism
social theory
human agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance technological advancement with gender equity?
- What structural changes best support women's active social roles?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual agency within structural constraints.
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