Malcolm X Quotes

Concerning non-violence: it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.

Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today.

The only thing power respects, is power.

The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change.

They cripple the bird's wing, and then condemn it for not flying as fast as they.

Just as a tree without roots is dead, a people without history or cultural roots also becomes a dead people.

You and I have never seen democracy; all we've seen is hypocrisy.

Only a fool would let his enemy teach his children.

The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.

If not now then when, if not me then who?

For tommorow belongs to those that prepare for it today.

You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

Learn to see, listen, and think for yourself.

Only those who have already experienced a revolution within themselves can reach out effectively to help others.

When you hear me say "by any means necessary," I mean exactly that. I believe in anything that is necessary to correct unjust conditions-political, economic, social, physical, anything that is necessary.

The mother is the first teacher of the child. The message she gives that child, that child gives to the world.

Read absolutely everything you get your hands on because you'll never know where you'll get an idea from.

You can always chase a dream but it will not count if you never catch it.

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.

That's not a chip on my shoulder, that's your foot on my neck.

I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.

If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.

A wise man can play the part of a clown, but a clown can't play the part of a wise man.

If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.