Truth is on the side of the oppressed.

Meaning of the quote

The quote means that the truth often supports those who are treated unfairly or badly by others. Malcolm X believed that the truth usually helps people who are oppressed, or treated as less important, rather than those who are doing the oppressing. This is because the truth can show how the oppressed are being mistreated and deserve to be treated better.

About Malcolm X

Malcolm X was an African American revolutionary and civil rights activist who was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam until 1964. He was a vocal advocate for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the African American community, and his pursuit of racial justice made him a widely celebrated figure despite being accused of preaching violence.

More about the author

More quotes from Malcolm X

If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you’re a man, you take it.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Truth is on the side of the oppressed.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

I am for violence if non-violence means we continue postponing a solution to the American black man’s problem just to avoid violence.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

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

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

In all our deeds, the proper value and respect for time determines success or failure.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

I believe in a religion that believes in freedom. Any time I have to accept a religion that won’t let me fight a battle for my people, I say to hell with that religion.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

The Negro revolution is controlled by foxy white liberals, by the Government itself. But the Black Revolution is controlled only by God.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

I don’t even call it violence when it’s in self defense; I call it intelligence.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

My Alma mater was books, a good library… I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Stumbling is not falling.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

You can’t legislate good will – that comes through education.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

If you have no critics you’ll likely have no success.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

If you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

You don’t have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Nonviolence is fine as long as it works.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

You show me a capitalist, and I’ll show you a bloodsucker.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)

Without education, you are not going anywhere in this world.

Malcolm X

American human rights activist (1925-1965)