All I insist on, and nothing else, is that you should show the whole world that you are not afraid. Be silent, if you choose; but when it is necessary, speak — and speak in such a way that people will remember it.

Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.

I also have to speak out for people around me who are afraid, who think it is not worth it or who have totally given up hope. So I want to set an example: you can do it and this is okay, to speak out.

So never be afraid, never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion; against injustice, lying and greed. If you, not just you in this room tonight, but in all the other thousands of rooms like this one today and tomorrow and next week will do this, not as a class or classes, but as individuals, men and women, you will change the earth.

We can learn to work and speak when we are afraid in the same way we have learned to work and speak when we are tired. For we have been socialized to respect fear more than our own needs for language and definition, and while we wait in silence for that final luxury of fearlessness, the weight of that silence will choke us. The fact that we are here and that I speak these words is an attempt to break that silence and bridge some of those differences between us, for it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken.

If speaking pleases you, be silent! If silence pleases you, Speak!

When something needs to be said, I'll say it even if the whole world grabs me by the neck and tells me to keep quiet.

Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.

I am not asking everyone to be activists. I am not asking everyone to march on the front lines. I am not asking every writer, public figure, or celebrity to lead social movements. I am not asking them to make speeches on how they have a dream. I am, however, challenging people not to stay silent as the world crumbles. You do not have to yell. Even a whisper of truth matters in an echo chamber of lies.

Arise, and be not afraid.

Either be silent or say something better than silence.

Those of us who can speak, must speak; we cannot remain silent. We must change society — especially children — educate them in a different way; these days we don't trust anyone. Many come to ask me for my blessing because they're on their way to the United States and are leaving behind their children, their wives, and we must avoid that.

Be a hero. Always say, "I have no fear." Tell this to everyone—"Have no fear."

If you speak to people, you just attract their attention,” he said, with a shaking voice. “You should just keep quiet and still and they overlook you. I’ve been doing it all my life. I know how to do it. Your way, you just — you make yourself visible.