To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs

"To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves." These powerful words by Carrie Chapman Catt, a leading figure in the American women's suffrage movement, urge individuals to dedicate themselves to causes greater than themselves—causes that involve resisting injustice, helping what is right, and shaping the future. In this call to action, Catt speaks not only of the importance of standing up against wrongdoing, but of the necessity of giving our time, energy, and commitment to create a better world. Her statement emphasizes that the fight for justice is not something that can be left to others; it requires the active participation of each person, especially in moments when society is in need of change.

The ancient world is full of wisdom that echoes Catt’s sentiment. Plato, in his Republic, spoke of the importance of individuals who are willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. In his vision of the ideal society, those who were just and virtuous would take on the responsibility of leadership, not for personal gain but for the greater good. Similarly, Aristotle emphasized the idea of moral responsibility, suggesting that true virtue lies in one’s ability to act not for oneself but for the benefit of others. The ancient philosophers understood that societal change begins with individual action, and that resistance to injustice and assistance to the right causes are essential to shaping a just and prosperous society. Catt’s words serve as a modern continuation of this timeless wisdom.

History is filled with examples of individuals who have taken on this call to resist wrongs and assist the right. Mahatma Gandhi is a shining example. Gandhi’s life was dedicated to resisting oppression and promoting the right of Indian independence through nonviolent means. His philosophy was not simply about seeking freedom for himself or his people but about shaping a future where justice and equality would be accessible to all. Gandhi’s steadfast commitment to resistance and assistance to the oppressed echoes Catt's words in the most profound way: "Give yourselves" to the cause of righteousness, not because it’s easy, but because it is necessary for the future.

Another example comes from Harriet Tubman, whose name has become synonymous with courage, resistance, and sacrifice. Tubman’s involvement in the Underground Railroad was driven by a deep moral conviction that the enslavement of Black people in America was a wrong that demanded active resistance. She risked her life time and again to assist those seeking freedom, showing the power of individual action in the face of systemic injustice. She, too, understood the importance of not just resisting the wrongs of her time, but actively contributing to a future where freedom and equality would be the norm. Tubman’s legacy, like that of Catt’s, demonstrates that lasting change is shaped by those who are willing to give themselves to the cause of a greater good.

The lesson in Catt's words is clear and urgent: when we see wrongdoing in the world, we must not look away. Resistance is not merely a passive stance, but a call to action—a demand to engage with the world and stand for what is right. It is easy to be complacent, to ignore the injustices that occur around us, but Catt reminds us that silence in the face of wrong is a betrayal of our responsibility to the future. Just as the ancient philosophers encouraged individuals to embrace their role in creating a just society, Catt's words implore us to step forward and contribute to the world in ways that will have lasting impacts.

The future is not something that happens to us passively. It is a legacy that we must actively shape with our actions today. As Catt states, the future lies in the distance, waiting for us to build it with the tools we have. Each action we take—whether it’s resisting injustice, supporting the right, or working to empower the powerless—plays a part in creating a future that is rooted in justice and human dignity. We must not wait for others to make these changes; we must be the ones to step forward and take action, not just for ourselves, but for the generations yet to come.

Catt’s message calls us to be proactive in shaping the world we want to see, rather than waiting for the future to be determined for us. We must give ourselves to the causes that matter, knowing that our individual efforts will accumulate into a larger movement of change. Whether it’s standing up against injustice, helping those who need support, or fostering a vision of a better tomorrow, we each play a part in this journey. The future is shaped not by those who remain silent or passive, but by those who rise up and contribute, just as the ancients taught us.

In our own lives, we must reflect on how we can give ourselves to the causes of justice, equality, and human dignity. Let us seek out those moments when our voice, our time, or our energy can make a difference. The wrong that we see in the world is an invitation for us to resist, and the right that needs assistance is a call for us to assist. Let us not shy away from these responsibilities, but embrace them as a means to shape a future that is worthy of the struggles of those who came before us and those who will come after. The future is in our hands—let us give ourselves fully to its creation.