Power never takes a back step—only in the face of more power.

About Malcolm X

Portrait of Malcolm X

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965) was an African American revolutionary, civil rights leader, and Muslim minister who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement until his assassination in 1965. He discovered the new religious movement the Nation...

More quotations from Malcolm X

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.

How beautiful is death, when earn'd by virtue!
Who would not be that youth? What pity is it
That we can die but once to serve our country!

Gossip and reputation make sure that what comes around-a person who is cruel will find that the others are cruel hack to him, and a person who is kind will find others are kind in return. Gossip paired with reciprocity allow karma to work here on earth, not in the next life.

Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.

While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom there will be no State.

More quotations tagged with “power”

The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.

—Lord Macaulay

If power was an illusion, wasn't weakness necessarily one also?

—Lois McMaster Bujold

The secret of all power is—save your force. If you want high pressure you must choke off waste.

—Joseph Farrell

One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests.

—John Stuart Mill

The essence of government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.

—James Madison

History

11 Jul 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

Power never takes a back step - only in the face of more power.