12 Notable Tutu Quotations for the Advancement of Humanity in 2022

At the Canadian Congress, we join South Africa and indeed the whole world to mourn the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who died in the early hours of today (26 December) at the age of 90.

If there was ever a voice akin to that of the greats – like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa, it was that of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Considered by many as a "voice of reason and compassion against poverty, racism, xenophobia and corruption, and human development", Tutu was sold out for social justice, committed to advancing the cause of humanity even at the risk of his life, many times over.

While he never dwelled on it due to the depth of his humility, he was honoured with many prestigious awards all over then world, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Gandhi Peace Prize, the Sydney Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

12 NOTABLE TUTU QUOTATIONS FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF HUMANITY IN 2022 (ENSURE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS TOO)

1. “True peace must be anchored in justice and an unwavering commitment to universal rights for all humans, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin or any other identity attribute.”
2. "Enemies are always friends waiting to be made."
3. “There is nothing more difficult than waking someone who is only pretending to be asleep.”
4. “We are not responsible for what breaks us, but we can be responsible for what puts us back together again. Naming the hurt is how we begin to repair our broken parts.”
5. “To treat anyone as if they were less than human, less than a brother or a sister, no matter what they have done, is to contravene the very laws of our humanity.”
6. "It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn empathy and compassion and discover our soul."
7. "When we see others as the enemy, we risk becoming what we hate. When we oppress others, we end up oppressing ourselves. All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others."
8. “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
9. "Be nice to whites, they need you to rediscover their humanity."
10. “Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument. Good sense does not always lie with the loudest shouters, nor can we say that a large, unruly crowd is always the best arbiter of what is right."
11. "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."
12. "I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of human rights."

In the words of Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa:

"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. From the pavements of resistance in South Africa to the pulpits of the world's great cathedrals and places of worship, and the prestigious setting of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Arch distinguished himself as a non-sectarian, inclusive champion of universal human rights.

We will be honouring him posthumously on Jan 20, 2022, at our upcoming Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity & Workplace Equity. To save your spot, click here.

Indeed, A lion has fallen.

An eagle has gone to rest.

We now claim his mantle for social justice.

We ask God to bless us all with …

his fierce passion for unity and diversity,

For humility and humanity.

For unity and dignity.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, thank you for serving your life to humanity, for giving up all that you are and have for the sake of our generation and the generations yet unborn.

Rest In Peace, for truly, you were a true General in the Quest for Righteousness & Justice.

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