10 Memorable Quotes by Nobel Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu, South Africa’s Archbishop, Peace Nobel laureate, and anti-apartheid activist, dies at 90
Desmond Tutu, South African archbishop emeritus and winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his activism against the Apartheid racist segregation regime, died today, December 26, at 90.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the sad news on his official Twitter:
“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa.
Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead. We pray that Archbishop Tutu’s soul will rest in peace but that his spirit will stand sentry over the future of our nation.”
The South African Presidency Ministry issued an official statement on the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu, “the last surviving South African laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, who passed away in Cape Town at the age of 90.” Desmond Tutu was a “Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission who “placed his extensive academic achievements at the service of the cause for social and economic justice the world over.” The official statement also recalls how “in his richly inspiring yet challenging life, Desmond Tutu overcame tuberculosis, the brutality of the apartheid security forces and the intransigence of successive apartheid regimes. Neither Casspirs, teargas, nor security agents could intimidate him or deter him from his steadfast belief in our liberation.”
Archbishop Tutu compiled several books of his speeches and sayings, hence to celebrate his memory and pay tribute to the anti-apartheid activist, I have handpicked some of my personal favorites:
10 Quotes by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another.”
- “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
- “If you are neutral in times of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
- “My father always used to say, “Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.”
- “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
- “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
- “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
- Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.”
- “It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn empathy and compassion and discover our soul.”
- “We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners. His standards are quite low.”
Final Thoughts
My thoughts and prayers are with Mam Leah Tutu, the Archbishop’s soulmate, his family, friends, and all the South Africans.
I pray that Archbishop Tutu’s soul may rest in peace and that his spirit remains a beacon of light in the fight against injustice and oppression worldwide.
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