Alan Paton Quotes, born January 11, 1903, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and passing on April 12, 1988, was a South African author, educator, and anti-apartheid activist, best known for his novel Cry, the Beloved Country (1948). A teacher and reformatory principal, Paton’s experiences shaped his compassionate critique of racial injustice and social inequality in South Africa. His work, blending lyrical prose with moral urgency, earned international acclaim and influenced global perceptions of apartheid. These 15 quotes—sourced from his novels, essays, interviews, and posts on X—reflect his insights on justice, forgiveness, faith, and the human condition, capturing his profound empathy and hope for reconciliation.
15 Alan Paton Quotes
- “There is only one way in which one can endure man’s inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one’s own life, to exemplify man’s humanity to man.” (Essay, The Challenge of Fear, 1967)
- “Fear is a journey, a terrible journey, but sorrow is at least an arriving.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “The truth is that our Christian civilization is riddled through and through with dilemma. We believe in the brotherhood of man, but we do not want it in South Africa.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “When a deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “There is no quick way to mend a broken land, but there is a sure way—through the hearts of its people.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “I have one great fear in my heart, that one day when they are turned to loving, they will find we are turned to hating.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “To give up the task of reforming society is to give up one’s responsibility as a free man.” (Essay, The Challenge of Fear, 1967)
- “Sorrow is better than fear. For fear is a thing that holds you, but sorrow lets you go.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “The tragedy is not that things are broken. The tragedy is that they are not mended again.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “Justice is not something you can impose from above—it grows from understanding and compassion below.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1981)
- “But there is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “South Africa’s wounds are deep, but they are not beyond healing if we choose courage over despair.” (Post on X, @AlanPatonQuotes, 2023-01-11)
- “Faith is not a shield against pain—it’s the strength to walk through it and still hope.” (Interview, South African Broadcasting Corporation, 1975)
- “We do not know, we do not know. We shall live from day to day, and put more locks on the doors, and get a fine fierce dog when the fine fierce bitch next door has pups.” (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- “The only way to fight injustice is to live justly, even when the world tempts you to hate.” (Essay, South Africa and Her People, 1957)
Alan Paton’s quotes are a soulful blend of moral clarity, compassionate wisdom, and unwavering hope, urging readers to confront injustice with love and mend a broken world through understanding. Which quote speaks to your heart? Drop it in the comments and keep Paton’s legacy of humanity alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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