Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful, and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.
TUTU DESMONDHuman beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful, and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.
TUTU DESMONDWhen we see others as separate, they become a threat. When we see others as part of us, as connected, as interdependent, then there is no challenge we cannot face—together.
TUTU DESMONDGive a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring.
TUTU DESMONDTo protect our children, we must talk to them about rape.
TUTU DESMONDA person is a person through other persons.
TUTU DESMONDReligion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone’s back.
TUTU DESMONDYou don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.
TUTU DESMONDForgiveness does not relieve someone of responsibility for what they have done. Forgiveness does not erase accountability. It is not about turning a blind eye or even turning the other cheek.
TUTU DESMONDA very important but difficult piece of renewing relationships is accepting responsibility for our part in any conflict.
TUTU DESMONDDiscovering more joy does not, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak.
TUTU DESMONDThere is nothing more difficult than waking someone who is only pretending to be asleep.
TUTU DESMONDWe need other human beings in order to be human. I am because other people are. A person is entitled to a stable community life, and the first of these communities is the family.
TUTU DESMONDWe have hardship without becoming hard. We have heartbreaks without being broken.
TUTU DESMONDForgiveness is simply about understanding that every one of us is both inherently good and inherently flawed.
TUTU DESMONDWhen the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said “Let us pray.” We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
TUTU DESMONDLike when you sit in front of a fire in winter — you are just there in front of the fire. You don’t have to be smart or anything. The fire warms you.
TUTU DESMOND