Politics Quotes

Power, governance, and the messy business of organizing human societies.

14518 quotes

G
"Political analysis without moral clarity is mere cleverness in service of power."
Govan Mbeki
J
"Democracy without justice is merely theater for the privileged."
Joe Slovo
J
"The personal and the political are inseparably linked."
Joe Slovo
F
"Politics at its best serves humanity; at its worst, it serves only power."
F.W. de Klerk
H
"Politics determines whether resources serve the many or the few."
Harry Oppenheimer
W
"Political change begins with a shift in consciousness."
Walter Sisulu
W
"Politics should serve the people, not special interests."
Walter Sisulu
O
"The greatest threat to our people is not external aggression but internal division and the erosion of our shared humanity."
Oliver Tambo
O
"We cannot talk of progress while fundamental human rights remain denied to entire populations."
Oliver Tambo
G
"Political freedom without economic justice is an incomplete liberation."
Govan Mbeki
A
"Politics is the art of achieving the possible while never abandoning the vision of the ideal."
Ahmed Kathrada
A
"Political change is possible when ordinary people refuse to accept the extraordinary injustice of the status quo."
Ahmed Kathrada
J
"Revolution is not merely the overthrow of the old, but the building of something better."
Joe Slovo
J
"The personal is political; our individual choices shape our collective future."
Joe Slovo
D
"Forgiveness is not just Christian ethics; it is a profound political tool."
Desmond Tutu
F
"Political systems must evolve or become obsolete."
F.W. de Klerk
F
"Political transformation requires transforming human hearts first."
F.W. de Klerk
W
"Politics should serve the people, not the people serve politics."
Walter Sisulu
W
"The relationship between people and their government must be one of trust."
Walter Sisulu
O
"The measure of a nation is how it treats those without power."
Oliver Tambo
O
"The personal and political are inseparable in the quest for justice."
Oliver Tambo
G
"The measure of a nation is not found in its military might, but in the wisdom of its people and the justice of its institutions."
Govan Mbeki
G
"We cannot separate the personal from the political; they are forever intertwined."
Govan Mbeki
A
"Politics without morality is merely the exercise of power without principle."
Ahmed Kathrada
S
"Democracy requires the participation of all citizens."
Shirin Ebadi
S
"Political engagement is a responsibility, not a choice."
Shirin Ebadi
F
"Politics is the art of compromise."
F.W. de Klerk
F
"Politics shapes the destiny of nations."
F.W. de Klerk
O
"A free society requires active participation from all its members."
Oliver Tambo
O
"The voice of the voiceless must become our voice."
Oliver Tambo