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Tomas Borge Quotes

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About Tomas Borge

Tomás Borges (February 13, 1920 – February 24, 1985) was a prominent Angolan poet, essayist, and diplomat, often considered the father of Angolan literature. Born in Sá da Bandeira, Portuguese Angola, Borges spent his early life in Luanda before moving to Lisbon, Portugal, to pursue higher education at the Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (UTL). Influenced by the modernist movement and Portuguese poets like Fernando Pessoa, Borges began writing poetry. His first collection, "Poemas para uma Revolução" (Poems for a Revolution), was published in 1942 while he was still studying in Lisbon. This work showcased his political leanings and reflected the growing nationalist sentiments among African intellectuals at the time. Borges returned to Angola in 1953 and worked as an editor for the Portuguese colonial newspaper "O Correio de Angola." During this period, he continued writing poetry and prose while advocating for Angolan independence. His second book of poetry, "Cantigas da Liberdade" (Songs of Freedom), was published in 1956, further solidifying his position as a prominent voice in the African literary scene. In 1961, Borges became Angola's first ambassador to India, where he continued writing and promoting Angolan culture. After Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Borges served as the country's first ambassador to France. His final collection of poetry, "A Voz do Homem Negro" (The Voice of the Black Man), was published posthumously in 1986. Throughout his life, Tomás Borges was a powerful voice for Angolan independence and African identity. His work continues to inspire generations of writers in Angola and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Revolution is not a dinner party, nor an essay, nor a painting, it's a struggle to the death."

This quote by Tomás Borges emphasizes that revolution is more than just intellectual discourse or artistic expression; it is a violent, intense, and life-or-death struggle for fundamental change. It suggests that revolution demands active participation, sacrifice, and the willingness to confront adversity head-on to achieve social transformation.

"The revolution is not an academic exercise; it is a practical one... and as such its success or failure can only be measured in concrete terms."

Tomás Borges' quote emphasizes that revolutions are real-world actions, not theoretical discussions. The effectiveness of a revolution can only be determined by tangible results, rather than philosophical or ideological debates. In other words, the success of a revolution is measured by its ability to bring about practical change and improve people's lives in a concrete way.

"To fight against oppression is not a crime, it is a duty."

This quote by Tomás Borge highlights the moral obligation that people have to resist oppressive systems. When power structures are unjustly used to suppress or harm individuals, it becomes a personal responsibility for those capable to stand up against such inequalities. The sentiment emphasizes not only the righteousness of resistance but also the ethical imperative to strive for fairness and justice in society.

"A people that does not know its past, does not have a future."

This quote underscores the importance of historical knowledge in shaping a nation's future. It implies that understanding one's past helps to establish identity, values, and lessons learned from history, which are crucial for making informed decisions about the path forward. Therefore, by neglecting the study of the past, a people risk losing their cultural heritage, repeating mistakes, and missing opportunities for growth and development in the future.

"The revolution is the means, socialism is the goal."

Tomás Borge's quote signifies a strategic approach to achieving socio-political change. Here, the "revolution" represents the necessary actions or movements that disrupt the existing social order to create space for transformation. The "goal," or end point, is the establishment of socialism – an economic and political system characterized by collective ownership of the means of production, with a focus on equality, fairness, and social welfare over individual profit. In essence, Borge suggests that revolutionary actions are the means to attain a more equitable society, where socialism serves as the desired outcome.

If I could go, I would tell the truth to the North American people. President Reagan personally ordered my visa to be denied.

- Tomas Borge

Could, Ordered, Reagan, North American

Our pledge is to hold elections in the year 1985. The form of elections has not yet been determined, but there is a group of representatives of the political parties in Nicaragua who have been traveling around the world studying various electoral alternatives.

- Tomas Borge

Studying, Year, Been, Pledge

They accuse me of having a hard hand, but people closest to me know that is not the nature of my heart.

- Tomas Borge

Nature, Accuse, Having, Closest

The doctors who have examined me say I am healthy enough for a long life, so don't have any illusions that I'll soon leave this world.

- Tomas Borge

Enough, Long Life, Say, Examined

Global political conditions make a direct American intervention difficult, but President Reagan's messianic and visceral attitude toward the Nicaraguan revolution could mean it will happen as an act of desperation.

- Tomas Borge

Happen, Visceral, Reagan, Conditions

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