“Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained.”
- June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968
- American
- Author, educator, human rights activist
- Although she lost her sight and hearing due to an illness in her childhood, she engaged in various social activities, such as supporting the visually and hearing impaired and promoting women’s rights.
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Quote
“Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained.”
Explanation
In this quote, Helen Keller argues that social justice cannot be achieved until society as a whole embraces a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. She emphasizes that true justice requires not just the efforts of a few, but a collective awareness among the people to look beyond themselves and recognize the needs of others. Keller is pointing out that for society to be truly just, individuals must take it upon themselves to ensure that no one is left behind, and that the welfare of others is seen as everyone’s concern. This mindset fosters a culture of compassion and solidarity.
Keller’s own life and work were grounded in advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized groups, particularly those with disabilities. As a deaf-blind woman, she understood firsthand the struggles faced by those who are often excluded from the mainstream. Her advocacy for social causes was not just about individual rights but about the broader responsibility of society to ensure fairness and equality for all its members. She believed that social justice could only be attained when society collectively understood and acted on the principle that the welfare of one person impacts the welfare of all.
In modern society, Keller’s quote remains highly relevant as it speaks to the need for collective responsibility in addressing issues such as poverty, racial inequality, economic disparity, and human rights. For example, tackling systemic racism or fighting for economic equality requires more than the efforts of a few—it requires a society-wide commitment to seeing every individual’s well-being as interconnected. Keller’s words remind us that social justice is not only about laws or policies but about a widespread commitment to mutual care, where the well-being of others is seen as a personal responsibility for all members of society.
