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8 Inspiring Desmond Tutu Quotes

by The Editors

Archbishop Desmond Tutu played a key role in ending racial segregation in South Africa. Here are some of our favorite quotes from the Christian leader that has inspired millions for generations.

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When we can accept our humanity and the perpetrator's, we can write a new story, one in which we are no longer cast as a victim but as a survivor, even perhaps a hero. —Desmond Tutu

When we can accept our humanity and the perpetrator's, we can write a new story, one in which we are no longer cast as a victim but as a survivor, even perhaps a hero.

—Desmond Tutu

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. —Desmond Tutu

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

—Desmond Tutu

I'm not an optimist. I'm a prisoner of hope. —Desmond Tutu

I'm not an optimist. I'm a prisoner of hope.

—Desmond Tutu

Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action. —Desmond Tutu

Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action.

—Desmond Tutu

God refuses to give up, and we who are enlisted to be fellow-workers with God know that the only reason we continue is that death did not have the last word; that Good Friday was not the end of the story. —Desmond Tutu

God refuses to give up, and we who are enlisted to be fellow-workers with God know that the only reason we continue is that death did not have the last word; that Good Friday was not the end of the story.

—Desmond Tutu

We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners. —Desmond Tutu

We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners.

—Desmond Tutu

Forgiveness does not mean condoning what has been done. Forgiving means abandoning your right to pay back the perpetrator in his own coin. —Desmond Tutu

Forgiveness does not mean condoning what has been done. Forgiving means abandoning your right to pay back the perpetrator in his own coin.

—Desmond Tutu

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. —Desmond Tutu

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

—Desmond Tutu

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Cheerful laughing woman on the beach (Getty Images)

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Diverse women standing together in unity.

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A portrait of Norman Vincent Peale outdoors.

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