Rafael Correa Quotes

Powerful Rafael Correa for Daily Growth

About Rafael Correa

Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado, more commonly known as Rafael Correa, was born on April 6, 1963, in Austria to Ecuadorian parents. He spent his early years in Europe before moving back to Ecuador where he completed his education. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the Catholic University of Ecuador and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris, France. Correa's political career began in 2005 when he returned to Ecuador to run for president under the Alianza PAIS (Proud and Sovereign Fatherland) party. His campaign was marked by a promise to rewrite the constitution, fight corruption, and improve economic conditions. He won the election in November of that year, becoming the 45th President of Ecuador. During his presidency from 2007 to 2017, Correa implemented significant reforms aimed at reducing poverty, improving social welfare, and increasing state control over natural resources. However, his administration was also criticized for restricting press freedom, suppressing political opposition, and centralizing power. Correa's influential works include "El País que viene: el cambio productivo y la democracia directa" (The Coming Country: Productive Change and Direct Democracy), published in 2016. This book outlines his vision for Ecuador's future and provides insights into his political philosophy. Post-presidency, Correa has remained active in politics, often criticizing the successive governments of Ecuador from exile in Belgium where he currently resides. His legacy in Ecuador remains divisive, with many seeing him as a champion of the poor and marginalized, while others view him as an authoritarian leader.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The world changes not through force but through understanding."

This quote by Rafael Correa emphasizes the power of empathy, compassion, and mutual understanding in bringing about change on a global scale. Instead of resorting to violence or coercion, it suggests that fostering deeper connections with others, and working towards common goals through cooperation and dialogue, is more effective in promoting positive change.


"If democracy does not include economic justice, it's just a facade for oligarchies."

The quote by Rafael Correa suggests that true democracy requires economic fairness and equality to prevent domination by the wealthy few (oligarchies). A democratic system where economic justice is absent can only offer an illusion of democracy, as the powerful interests effectively control the decision-making process, thereby undermining its purpose and principles.


"I have always believed that the right to be different is the essence of human freedom."

This quote emphasizes the importance of individuality and diversity as fundamental aspects of human freedom. In a society that values and respects differences, individuals are free to express their unique identities without fear of oppression or discrimination. Embracing diversity fosters understanding, empathy, and mutual growth, ultimately enhancing our collective humanity.


"Corruption and impunity are the worst forms of violence against humanity."

This quote highlights that corruption, an abuse of power for personal gain, and impunity, the lack of accountability or consequences for such actions, are not just economic or political issues; they are deeply harmful to society as a whole. They constitute a severe form of violence against humanity because they undermine trust in institutions, promote inequality, and hinder the development and progress of communities. Corruption erodes the fabric of a fair and just society, causing distress and harm at both individual and collective levels. It's important to note that this violence is not physical but rather systemic and societal, making it insidious yet no less damaging.


"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

This quote by Rafael Correa underscores the idea that personal actions and decisions significantly shape one's future. It encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping their destiny, rather than passively accepting whatever circumstances may come their way. In other words, if you want a specific future, you must strive to create it through your efforts and choices.


I am an economist, not an astrologer.

- Rafael Correa

I Am, Am, Economist

The Ecuadorean and Latin American press is not like the European or North American press, which has some professional ethics. They are used to being above the law, to blackmail, to extort.

- Rafael Correa

Law, Some, Which, North American

To assume all the powers is not good for anybody. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. All those experiments have a bad ending.

- Rafael Correa

Bad, Experiments, Anybody, Absolute Power Corrupts

There has been talk of lack of consensus, but we all know that this is the veto of foreign powers, the intolerable situation in our 21st century America.

- Rafael Correa

Been, Foreign Powers, Our, Intolerable

We won't tolerate abuses and crimes made every day in the name of freedom of speech. That is freedom of extortion and blackmail.

- Rafael Correa

Every Day, Made, Crimes, Tolerate

Ecuador has about 700 kilometers of border with Colombia, and a lot of it is impenetrable jungle.

- Rafael Correa

Border, About, Lot, Jungle

They have been talking about a dictatorship and they were right because there's a dictatorship and there's a government that has been fighting that dictatorship, the dictatorship of the media.

- Rafael Correa

Government, Been, Were, Dictatorship

We are going to have to discuss with and seek the opinions of other countries. We don't wish to offend anyone, least of all a country we hold in such deep regard as the United Kingdom.

- Rafael Correa

Deep, Country, Other, Discuss

I'm not accustomed to giving advice to those who haven't asked for it.

- Rafael Correa

Advice, Giving, Asked, Accustomed

The great sin was adopting the 21st Century's Socialism, something that not even its founder, Ditrich knows exactly what it is, though he says it is under construction.

- Rafael Correa

Socialism, Founder, Though, Adopting

Ecuador is a country which defends the right to life.

- Rafael Correa

Country, Right, Which, Defends

After some reflection I have decided that while I am the president of Ecuador, I will not attend any Summit of the Americas until it begins to make the decisions required.

- Rafael Correa

Reflection, Some, Attend, Summit

I'm a pacifist by nature.

- Rafael Correa

Nature, Pacifist

It is up to you to decide who to believe: the same people as usual or those who endanger their lives to save the country.

- Rafael Correa

Country, Save, Lives, Usual

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