Rachel Corrie Quotes

Powerful Rachel Corrie for Daily Growth

About Rachel Corrie

Rachel Corrie (April 10, 1979 – March 16, 2003) was an American activist and writer known for her humanitarian work in the Palestinian territories. Born and raised in Olympia, Washington, she was deeply influenced by her Quaker upbringing, which emphasized peace, social justice, and nonviolent resistance. After graduating from high school, Corrie pursued a degree in English at Evergreen State College, where she continued to be involved with activism, particularly in the environmental movement. However, it was her experiences during a summer program in Palestine that truly captured her heart. In 2001, she moved to Rafah, Gaza Strip, to work with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a nonviolent civil rights group aiming to end Israeli occupation. Corrie became part of a team trying to prevent the demolition of Palestinian homes by the Israeli Defense Forces. On March 16, 2003, while attempting to protect a home from being bulldozed, she was crushed by an Israeli military Caterpillar D9R armored bulldozer. Her death sparked international outrage and drew attention to the ongoing conflict in the region. Posthumously, Corrie's writings were compiled into the book "My Name is Rachel Corrie," which included journal entries, emails, and letters that documented her experiences in Palestine. Her life story continues to inspire many and serves as a powerful testament to the power of activism and nonviolent resistance.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am not a human shield, I am a human being."

Rachel Corrie's statement "I am not a human shield, I am a human being" emphasizes her personal dignity and autonomy, expressing that she is more than just a physical barrier or tool to be used for someone else's purposes. It conveys the idea that individuals have inherent worth beyond any political or military context in which they may find themselves. This quote is significant as it highlights Corrie's desire for empathy, understanding, and recognition of her humanity amidst a potentially dangerous and complex situation.

"Nonviolence requires a very careful discipline to maintain the self righteousness that it requires."

Rachel Corrie's quote emphasizes that nonviolent action, while being a powerful means for change, requires immense self-control and introspection. The self-righteousness she refers to is the unwavering belief in one's cause, coupled with the moral integrity necessary to maintain nonviolence despite facing opposition or adversity. This discipline involves resisting the urge to retaliate, maintaining compassion for opponents, and upholding the principles of peace and justice even when confronted by those who do not share these beliefs. The quote underscores that the pursuit of nonviolence necessitates a rigorous examination of one's own motivations and convictions in order to ensure that the actions taken align with the ideals of nonviolence.

"I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart) I am never without it" (Inspired by e.e. cummings)

This quote by Rachel Corrie, inspired by e.e. cummings, expresses deep emotional connection and empathy towards another person. She feels their spirit so strongly that she carries it with her wherever she goes - not physically, but in the depth of her heart. It symbolizes an unbreakable bond between two souls who share a profound love or understanding. Despite being physically separated, they remain intimately connected, emotionally inseparable.

"It's a real privilege to be able to choose resistance."

Rachel Corrie's quote, "It's a real privilege to be able to choose resistance," underscores the power of individual agency in standing up for what one believes is right or just. This privilege implies that some people have the luxury of taking a stance against oppressive systems or injustices, knowing they can potentially endure the consequences without jeopardizing their basic needs and safety. Resistance, in this context, encompasses the courage to challenge authority, question the status quo, and advocate for those who may not have that ability. By choosing resistance, one is demonstrating personal commitment and valor, often inspiring others to follow suit in pursuit of a more equitable world.

"This place is not defined by conflict, but by dignity and hope."

Rachel Corrie's statement emphasizes that despite the apparent prevalence of conflict in a particular place, it is essential to remember its inherent qualities of dignity and hope. She suggests that these qualities are not secondary or incidental aspects but rather defining characteristics of the location. This perspective underscores the resilience and strength of people living through challenging circumstances, highlighting their capacity for perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity.

Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and don't give up.

- Rachel Corrie

Give, Follow Your Dreams, Dreams

I want to be a lawyer, a dancer, an actress, a mother, a wife, a children's author, a distance runner, a poet, a pianist, a pet store owner, an astronaut, an environmental and humanitarian activist, a psychiatrist, a ballet teacher, and the first woman president.

- Rachel Corrie

Mother, Woman, Distance, Ballet

I really value words. I really try to illustrate and let people draw their own conclusions.

- Rachel Corrie

Words, Own, Illustrate, Conclusions

I am a good, strong word giver; I am a jealous guard of my own secrets. Freedom is the rule; I am hungry for one good thing I can do.

- Rachel Corrie

Strong, My Own, Guard, Giver

I think freedom for Palestine could be an incredible source of hope to people struggling all over the world. I think it could also be an incredible inspiration to Arab people in the Middle East, who are struggling under undemocratic regimes which the U.S. supports.

- Rachel Corrie

Inspiration, Source, I Think, Supports

I feel like I'm witnessing the systematic destruction of a people's ability to survive. It's horrifying.

- Rachel Corrie

Survive, Like, Witnessing, To Survive

Sometimes I sit down to dinner with people and I realize there is a massive military machine surrounding us, trying to kill the people I'm having dinner with.

- Rachel Corrie

Down, Surrounding, Having, Sit

Whenever I organize or participate in public protest I get really worried that it will just suck, be really small, embarrassing, and the media will laugh at me. Oftentimes, it is really small and most of the time the media laughs at us.

- Rachel Corrie

Small, Will, Participate, Embarrassing

Death smells like homemade apple sauce as it cooks on the stove. It is not the strangling sense of illness. It is not fear. It is freedom.

- Rachel Corrie

Death, Homemade, Smells, Illness

We are protecting civilians. We are unarmed. We are no threat to you. Please do not shoot.

- Rachel Corrie

Protecting, Civilians, Shoot

We should be inspired by people... who show that human beings can be kind, brave, generous, beautiful, strong-even in the most difficult circumstances.

- Rachel Corrie

Kind, Circumstances, Show, Brave

Maybe if people stopped thinking of themselves, and started thinking of the other sides of things, people wouldn't hurt each other.

- Rachel Corrie

Other, Maybe, Stopped, Hurt

I've had this underlying need to go to a place and meet people who are on the other end of the portion of my tax money that goes to fund the U.S. and other militaries.

- Rachel Corrie

Need, Goes, Other, Underlying

When I am an old woman, I will stop trying to look beautiful. I will quit wearing makeup and buying uncomfortable clothes because they look good. Maybe I will take up nudism.

- Rachel Corrie

Woman, Makeup, Will, Uncomfortable

We are all born and someday we'll all die. Most likely to some degree alone. Our aloneness in this world is, maybe not anymore, a thing to mourn.

- Rachel Corrie

Die, Some, Likely, Anymore

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