Words can be powerful. They can uplift, inspire, make us laugh, get us thinking, reveal perspectives unseen, fortify, find common ground — and so much more. Choosing how we speak to ourselves or others, coupled with action that comes from those words, arguably, is one of the most impactful things we can do.
We can all learn something from what others choose to talk about. Their stories, life experiences, activism, love, encouragement and motivation can be something we can use in our own lives to make a difference. We can pause, listen, learn, understand and act. Navigating our every day can be hard, but many people have come before us and gifted a shared knowledge that is invaluable to us all.
Here are 5 Quotes for Personal & Social Change …
Tokenism is no longer acceptable nor is a feminism that is not inclusive or intersectional. Often progress is seen through a White lens (we celebrate women earning the right to vote in the U.S as happening in 1920, but it wasn’t until decades later that any discrimination or barriers put in place to disenfranchise Native, Black, Asian and Latinx women from voting were removed). Progress must include all women. It’s that simple.
Wherever it may exist, speaking out against injustice is a responsibility we all hold, whether we are ready to act on it or not. There is no perfect time to raise our voices, there is only now.
Land and nature are not a commodity, and our use of it in this way cannot continue. Climate change and the environmental damage we have inflicted so far will not sustain nature’s future (of which we are a part). It’s time to heal what gives us life and — for those of us who have forgotten — to rekindle our connection to the natural world.
There must be consequences to words, thoughts and actions that cause personal harm or systemic injustice. However, if there’s no room for positive change those consequences will become empty and obsolete. If there’s no belief that someone or something can become better, or do better, then what are we hoping for? What are we working towards?
Be brave, step outside of your comfort zone every once in a while. Take a step towards something you don’t think you can do, allow yourself to try for things you believe are out of your reach. Take one step and repeat. We all have the capability to surprise ourselves, even when things don’t work out as planned or go how we want. Sometimes where we thought we would end up is not where we are meant to be — and that’s okay.
What are your favourite motivational or inspirational quotes? What words do you live by?
Further Info:
New Research Shows What It Takes To Make Society Change For The Better – Science Daily
transatlantic | notes 
You write so beautifully✨Words have the power change the way we think —I love those quotes! These words so important especially now when we are more divided than ever before
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Thank you! I agree with you 100% — as divided as we are, the words we use or the voices that inspire us are more potent than before. I love these quotes so much, they remind me of what I want to see in the world.
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These are really powerful and important quotes! It is super important to speak out when we see something happening that we know is wrong. Staying silent is taking the side of the oppressor. Things cannot change if we don’t make an effort to change what we know needs changed. Thank you for sharing this!
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Exactly! The time is now and we must all play our part. If we don’t speak out we just allow suffering and injustice to continue. It’s on all of us. Thanks so much for reading!
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Some lovely quotes you’ve chosen here – my favourite is the Anais Nin one. I also like Saki, “When baiting the mousetrap with cheese, remember to leave room for the mouse.” It always makes me smile!
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That is a great quote — made me smile too!
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Love that last quote. I didn’t know who Anais Lin was until just then.I looked her up. She sounds all kinds of cool. Thanks
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She is quite extraordinary and has written some very powerful essays, etc. I’m so glad you looked her up!
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I’m glad I found her.
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Love the quotes that are so beautifully decorated, my favourite is the one
of Bell Hooks..
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Thank you! I took time to create the quote graphics as I really wanted the design to match the beauty of the words. I am constantly inspired by Bell Hooks and her work/writings so I had to include her words here. Thanks for reading.
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I loved this ❤️ just what I needed as I’m going through a rather difficult stage of my life. Love all these quotes, probably the last just shades it as my favourite!
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I’m glad these quotes resonate with you during a tough time — I wish you well and send good vibes your way.
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These are some powerful quotes! I really liked the last one. Taking the first step is the most important thing in my opinion. Thank you so much for spreading the positivity.
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It’s so important to just begin … first steps can be scary but they are worth taking. Thanks for commenting.
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These are some powerful quotes that is worth to live by. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you so much for stopping by!
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Wow, I love all of these quotes Molly! I think the one by John Lewis is especially relevant now, and I absolutely agree there’s no “right time” to speak up except for now.
I also really love the last one about the world expanding or shrinking with our courage! So elegantly put, thank you!
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These are such great quotes (and you’re right about the John Lewis one). I find these words so inspirational and motivational. Thanks for reading!
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Very empowering! Great quotes, and post!
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Thank you — I’m so glad they resonated with you!
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