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Ruth First Quotes

Powerful Ruth First for Daily Growth

About Ruth First

Ruth First (October 31, 1925 – August 17, 1982) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, journalist, and writer who left an indelible mark on her country's struggle for democracy and freedom. Born in Johannesburg to Jewish parents, First displayed intellectual prowess at an early age. She studied law at the University of Witwatersrand but abandoned her studies to pursue a career in journalism. In the 1940s, she became involved with the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the African National Congress (ANC), two key organizations leading the anti-apartheid movement. Her association with these groups led to her exile in the late 1950s, first to England, then to Tanzania. Throughout her career, First wrote extensively on South African politics and the struggle against apartheid. Her works include "Black by Choice" (1953), an autobiographical account of her experiences as a white woman living in black townships; "South from the North" (1960), co-authored with her husband Joe Slovo, which provided a detailed analysis of apartheid's impact on South Africa; and "The Barrel of a Gun" (1965), a study of guerrilla warfare in African independence movements. In 1982, while attending a conference in Maputo, Mozambique, First was killed by a parcel bomb sent by apartheid agents. Her death was a significant blow to the anti-apartheid movement, but her legacy endured. Her courage, commitment, and intellectual contributions continue to inspire generations of activists fighting for justice and equality around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We who live in freedom must resist its destruction for the sake of future generations."

This quote underscores the importance of upholding freedom not only for ourselves but also for posterity. Ruth First is suggesting that those who enjoy the luxury of living in a free society have a moral responsibility to protect and preserve this freedom, as it will determine the quality of life for generations to come. It's an appeal to remain vigilant against any threats to our democratic values and individual liberties, lest we pass on a world where those freedoms are compromised or non-existent.

"The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting."

This quote by Ruth First underscores the human desire to preserve personal and collective histories in the face of those who seek to wield power or suppress memories. It implies that our struggles as individuals and communities are rooted not just in the present, but also in understanding and honoring our past experiences, triumphs, and traumas. This act of remembrance serves as a formidable counterweight against efforts to erase or manipulate history for personal gain or control.

"I have come to believe that the first casualty when we practice oppression on a large scale, is truth."

This quote by Ruth First highlights the detrimental effect that widespread oppression has on truth and honesty. In environments where oppressive practices dominate, the pursuit of truth often becomes distorted or suppressed as power dynamics drive individuals to prioritize self-preservation over truthfulness. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize that a society built on the foundation of oppression ultimately compromises its ability to uphold objective reality and promote transparency.

"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to offend."

This quote suggests that true freedom encompasses the right to express oneself, even if one's speech may cause offense to others. The freedom to offend is seen as an essential aspect of human liberty, as it allows for a diversity of ideas, opinions, and perspectives in society, thereby fostering intellectual growth, debate, and progress. However, this freedom should not be used irresponsibly or maliciously, but rather as a means to encourage open dialogue and promote understanding among different individuals and groups.

"If there are dreams about a better life, this is essential to the survival of our own revolution and the future of the African revolution."

This quote by Ruth First emphasizes the vital role of hope and aspirations for a superior life in sustaining and propelling revolutionary movements, particularly those focused on Africa's progression. She suggests that nurturing dreams of a better future serves as an essential driving force for both local and broader African revolutions, ensuring their continued survival and success.

In addition, we were unable to meet openly to discuss the progress of the book, for we were both on the list of persons banned from communicating with other banned persons.

- Ruth First

Book, Other, List, Banned

Poverty and the rule of race that is called apartheid drive the Transkeian migrant from security on the land to work in the cities, and then back again.

- Ruth First

Race, Cities, Apartheid, Migrant

Mbeki began to write a study of the workings of apartheid policy in the reserves - the areas set aside in law for African occupation - as early as 1959 and 1960.

- Ruth First

Law, Study, Set, Apartheid

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