“Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.... Goats are used for sacrificial offerings and not lions.”
Analysis of Quote by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
In this quote, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer, emphasizes the importance of fighting for one's rights rather than relying on the conscience of those who have taken them away. The metaphor of goats and lions highlights the need for strength and determination in reclaiming lost rights.
Ambedkar suggests that appealing to the moral conscience of oppressors is unlikely to result in the restoration of rights that have been taken away. Instead, he advocates for a "relentless struggle" to regain these rights. The reference to goats and lions underscores the idea that passive acceptance will not lead to justice, and instead, individuals must exhibit courage and assertiveness in their fight for equality and justice. This quote serves as a powerful call to action for marginalized communities to stand up and demand their rights through active resistance and advocacy.
The Relevance of Ambedkar's Words Today
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a prominent Indian social reformer who fought against discrimination and oppression. In the quote provided, he emphasizes the importance of persistent struggle in regaining lost rights, rather than relying on the conscience of those in power. His comparison of goats and lions highlights the need for strength and assertiveness in fighting for justice. Today, Ambedkar's words serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battles for equality and liberation all around the world.
Ambedkar's Words of Wisdom
"Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.... Goats are used for sacrificial offerings and not lions.” - Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar"
In this powerful quote, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar emphasizes the importance of fighting for our rights and not relying on the goodwill of those in power. He uses the metaphor of goats and lions to illustrate that passivity will not lead to the restoration of rights.
Reflective Questions
In this quote by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the idea of reclaiming lost rights is explored through the lens of relentless struggle. This prompts us to reflect on our own understanding of power dynamics and advocacy. Here are some reflective questions to consider:
- How do you interpret the notion of "relentless struggle" in the context of reclaiming lost rights?
- What role do you think sacrifice plays in the pursuit of justice and equality?
- In what ways can individuals and communities embody the strength and resilience of a lion rather than the passivity of a goat in fighting for their rights?
- How can we apply the teachings of Ambedkar to our own advocacy work and efforts towards social change?
Similar quotes
“Innocence, Once Lost, Can Never Be Regained. Darkness, Once Gazed Upon, Can Never Be Lost.”
“When you’ve fallen from the sky, been abandoned by your friend, suffered police brutality, metamorphosed into a goat, lost your work as well as your wife, learned the power of hatred and regained human shape, what is there left to do but, as you would no doubt phrase it, demand your rights?”
“...Cities may be rebuilt, and a People reduced to Poverty, may acquire fresh Property: But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever. When the People once surrendered their share in the Legislature, and their Right of defending the Limitations upon the Government, and of resisting every Encroachment upon them, they can never regain it.”
“To reflect is to regain a little, lost sense of proportion”
“With kids, what you see is what you get. There's just truth in their innocence that we as adults have lost and will never regain.”