I've learned much more about politics than I thought I ever

Wisdom is often born not from desire, but from necessity. When Alicia Garza declared, “I've learned much more about politics than I thought I ever would,” she spoke as one who had been drawn into the arena of power by the weight of her calling. Her words reflect the journey of many who begin with a vision of justice and change, only to discover that to bring that vision to life, one must first understand the intricate and often treacherous realm of politics. It is a realm full of hidden alliances, bitter struggles, and forces that shape the destinies of nations.

At its core, this quote speaks to the truth that politics is unavoidable. Even those who do not seek it are eventually touched by its influence. Garza, as one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, did not set out to become a political figure. Her mission was to speak truth, to awaken a world to the pain of racial injustice. Yet, as her movement grew, she was compelled to learn the language of politics—to navigate laws, leaders, and policies—to transform righteous anger into lasting change. Her journey mirrors that of countless reformers who have been thrust into political battles not of their choosing.

History offers many echoes of this transformation. Mahatma Gandhi, for instance, began as a lawyer and spiritual seeker, focused on inner truth and nonviolence. But when confronted with the vast machinery of the British Empire, he was forced to become a master of political strategy. Through marches, negotiations, and symbolic acts of resistance, he wove politics and spirituality together into a single, powerful movement. Like Garza, Gandhi learned more about politics than he ever intended, for the struggle for justice demanded it.

Garza’s words also reveal the burden of knowledge. Politics is not a simple battlefield of good versus evil; it is a complex dance where ideals often collide with compromise. Those who enter it must confront disappointment and betrayal, yet also discover opportunities to wield influence for the greater good. The learning process can be painful, for it strips away illusions and reveals the harsh realities of power. It is a reminder that lasting change requires both vision and strategy, both passion and discipline.

On a personal level, this quote speaks to anyone who has stepped beyond their comfort zone to fight for something greater than themselves. It is a lesson that growth often comes through struggle, and that the paths we never wished to walk may hold the very lessons we need most. In learning the ways of politics, one gains not only knowledge of systems, but also a deeper understanding of human nature—its hopes, its fears, and its potential for transformation.

Let this teaching be carried forward: when the call of justice summons you, you may find yourself drawn into realms you never expected. As Alicia Garza’s journey shows, learning politics is not merely about wielding power—it is about understanding how to turn collective pain into collective progress. For those who seek to heal the world, this knowledge, though hard-won, becomes a vital tool in the eternal struggle for freedom and dignity.