“There is plenty of building material and more than enough manpower to make a decent home for every Cuban. But if we continue to wait for the golden calf, a thousand years will have gone by, and the problem will remain the same.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“There is plenty of building material and more than enough manpower to make a decent home for every Cuban. But if we continue to wait for the golden calf, a thousand years will have gone by, and the problem will remain the same.”
Explanation
This quote underscores Fidel Castro’s call for self-reliance and decisive action, particularly in addressing Cuba’s housing crisis. He points out that the resources and labor necessary to solve the issue already exist, suggesting that the real barrier is not scarcity but a mindset of dependency or inaction. By referencing the “golden calf,” a biblical symbol of misplaced worship and false hope, Castro warns against waiting for foreign aid, capitalist investment, or miraculous solutions, which he implies will never come—or will come too late.
Historically, Castro consistently urged Cubans to take collective responsibility for national development, especially in the face of the U.S. embargo and economic isolation. Housing shortages were a persistent challenge, and this quote reflects his frustration with bureaucracy, passivity, or reliance on outside forces, instead promoting mobilization of internal resources and revolutionary willpower.
In today’s context, the quote speaks broadly to the importance of pragmatic, community-driven solutions in addressing social issues. It warns that waiting for ideal conditions or external help can lead to stagnation, and that meaningful progress often depends on using what is already available with vision and determination. Castro’s words remain a rallying cry for empowerment through action, not dependency on promises.
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