At the time of his death, Biko had a wife and three children for which he left a letter that stated in one part: “I've devoted my life to see equality for blacks, and at the same time, I've denied the needs of my family. Please understand that I take these actions, not out of selfishness or arrogance, but to preserve a South Africa worth living in for blacks and whites.Steve Biko
About This Quote
When one is faced with the decision of whether to sacrifice something in order to protect and preserve a group that he or she belongs to, one must think about what that group will be like when the situation is over. Will they be better off because of the sacrifice made? In the case of Biko, he did not fully understand what it would mean for his family if he fought for black rights. He felt that if he fought, the whites would lose. However, history shows that this is not always true.
In South Africa today, blacks have been successful in many areas. Not all whites have been forced to leave the country, and the country is a better place for both races because of Biko's actions.
Some Similar Quotes
- When God Created Mothers"When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said. "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." And God said, "Have you read the specs on this order?"...
- Parents were the only ones obligated to love you from the rest of the world you had to earn it.
- Friends are the family you choose (~ Nin/Ithilnin, Elven rogue).
- As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. She is the beating of my heart. I cannot now imagine...
- I love you enough to never make you choose.