“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”
- November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546
- Born in the Holy Roman Empire (Germany)
- Reformer, theologian
- Promoted the Protestant Reformation and published the Ninety-five Theses
Quote
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”
Explanation
In this quote, Martin Luther expands the concept of responsibility to include not only the words we speak but also the silence we maintain in situations where speaking out is necessary. Luther underscores the idea that inaction or failure to speak up in the face of injustice or falsehood is also a moral failure. By saying we are responsible for what we do not say, he is reminding us that passivity in the face of wrongdoing can be just as harmful as actively contributing to it. Silence, in this sense, is not neutral but becomes a form of complicity when it allows harmful ideas, actions, or injustices to continue unchecked.
Luther’s broader theological stance on moral responsibility aligns with this idea. Throughout his life, especially during the Reformation, he took a bold stand against corruption in the Catholic Church and injustices he perceived in society. By speaking out against the practices of the Church and translating the Bible into the vernacular, Luther recognized that failing to act or speak against the truth was a form of betrayal to God and society. For Luther, faith and action were deeply intertwined—one could not claim true faith without being willing to speak truth and act righteously in the world.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a reminder that our silence in situations of inequality, oppression, or wrongdoing can perpetuate harm. Whether in social justice, workplace ethics, or personal relationships, we are often called not only to act with integrity but to speak out when we see injustice. The idea that we are responsible for what we do not say challenges the notion of neutrality—it suggests that true moral responsibility requires us to actively engage, communicate, and intervene when needed. It encourages individuals to consider the consequences of silence and to be more proactive in addressing the issues that matter.
