10 Desmond Tutu Quotes To Live By
Over the course of history, there have been some extraordinary people that caught the attention of a global audience because of their charisma, talent, and wisdom. We study their lives, we follow their teachings, and we tell others about them. They are so dazzling that their life experiences and lessons are immortalized in books, films, videos, and more.
That was the case of our beloved Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize 1984, whose joy was highly contagious and we couldn’t get enough of it.
He was a remarkable person who embodied the greatest pillars of peace: respect, forgiveness, kindness, and love. He would humbly share his wisdom with us every time he could and for that we will always be grateful to him.
Sadly, he passed away in December 2021 but his memory and teachings live on. To commemorate his legacy, here are 10 quotes that he shared throughout the years on different topics that will help us live a more fulfilling life.
1) On how to change the world
Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
— Desmond Tutu
2) On understanding our differences
Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another.
—Desmond Tutu
3) On the real definition of forgiveness
Forgiveness does not relieve someone of responsibility for what they have done. Forgiveness does not erase accountability. It is not about turning a blind eye or even turning the other cheek. It is not about letting someone off the hook or saying it is okay to do something monstrous. Forgiveness is simply about understanding that every one of us is both inherently good and inherently flawed. Within every hopeless situation and every seemingly hopeless person lies the possibility of transformation.
— Desmond Tutu
4) On solving the root issue of a major problem
There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.
— Desmond Tutu
5) On seeing the bright side of tough times
It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn empathy and compassion and discover our soul.
— Desmond Tutu
6) On healing our broken hearts
Giving the emotion a name is the way we come to understand how what happened affected us. After we’ve told the facts of what happened, we must face our feelings. We are each hurt in our own unique ways, and when we give voice to this pain, we begin to heal it.
— Desmond Tutu
7) On how to combat loneliness
Much depends on your attitude. If you are filled with negative judgment and anger, then you will feel separate from other people. You will feel lonely. But if you have an open heart and are filled with trust and friendship, even if you are physically alone, even living a hermit’s life, you will never feel lonely.
— Desmond Tutu
8) On those that are considered evil
What about evil, you may ask? Aren’t some people just evil, just monsters, and aren’t such people just unforgivable? I do believe there are monstrous and evil acts, but I do not believe those who commit such acts are monsters or evil. To relegate someone to the level of a monster is to deny that person’s ability to change and to take away that person’s accountability for his or her actions and behavior.
— Desmond Tutu
9) On how to live a fulfilling life
Life is more than breath and a heartbeat; meaning and purpose are the life of life.
— Desmond Tutu
10) On resilience
When your dreams turn to dust, vacuum.
— Desmond Tutu
If you want to learn more about Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s life, you can go to his laureate page to find more details about his life, other resources (such as his books, past projects and the Nobel Legacy Film “Children of the Light” that highlights his life and work).
