Walter Rodney was an influential Guyanese historian, political activist, and author. Born on March 23, 1942, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Rodney’s ideas and teachings continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world. His courageous stance against social injustice and his unwavering commitment to the liberation of oppressed peoples have left an indelible mark on history. In this article, we will explore some of the most thought-provoking and empowering Walter Rodney quotes.
Read these Walter Rodney quotes:
“People’s education begins to die the day they stop asking questions.”
“The greatest weapon in the hand of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”
“In order to understand where we are, we must know where we have been.”
“History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity.”
“We have to speak up because silence is a form of consent.”
“Society is not formed by individuals alone, but by the relations between them.”
“Development cannot be divorced from human rights.”
“A society that does not value its young people does not deserve its future.”
“Knowledge is not only acquired in school but also by the life one leads.”
“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
“The masses are the true heroes, while we ourselves are often childish and ignorant.”
“The greatest triumph of the oppressor is convincing the oppressed that they are nothing without them.”
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle.”
“The value of history is, indeed, not scientific but moral: by liberalizing the mind, by deepening the sympathies, by fortifying the will, it enables us to control, not society, but ourselves.”
“People’s power is the final arbiter of historical events.”
“It is not the absence of violence but the presence of justice that makes a society civilized.”
“We must strive to build a society where being young is not a disadvantage but an asset.”
“The task of intellectuals is to question, analyze, and expose the falsehoods perpetuated by the ruling class.”
“Revolution is the negation of the existing, a violent protest against man’s inhumanity to man.”
“Powerful people cannot afford to educate the people that they oppress, as once you are truly educated, you will not ask for power. You will take it.”
Walter Rodney’s quotes continue to resonate with people across generations, inspiring us to question the status quo, challenge oppressive systems, and strive for a more just society. His words remind us of the importance of education, knowledge of history, and the power of the masses. By reflecting on Rodney’s teachings, we can learn valuable lessons about the struggle for liberation and the need to empower ourselves and others. Let us carry forward his legacy and work towards a world that values justice, equality, and the rights of all.
