Benjamin Zephaniah Quotes

Our country is the world — our countrymen are all mankind

I have always held those political opinions which point to the universal brotherhood of man, no matter in what rank of life he may have taken his origin.

In today's restless world, America needs to identify with the quest for universal human dignity, a dignity that embodies both freedom and democracy but also implies respect for cultural diversity.

For me, it's to be able to see that every life matters. Every life matters - no matter where, no matter how big, no matter how small. I've been able to see that in so many of the trips that we've taken around the world. That's been something that's been so eye-opening to me. I share that concept with everyone I come in contact with, so that we can unite around people. We can unite around one nation under God here, and we can unite that everybody matters. I think in this day and age right now, it's important. People need to be able to see something bigger than themselves.

The universe is my country and the human family is my tribe.

Our message, to people around the country and around the world, is this: Apple is open. Open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love.

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all the nations of the earth, so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say: 'This is my country.'

Equality for everybody is great. That would be amazing.

The one peace possible: A homeland for everybody.

We believe in freedom for our neighbors across the street or across the seas---the same freedom we expect for ourselves.

The more I am French, the more I feel a part of humanity.

We are all citizens of one world, we are all of one blood. To hate a man because he was born in another land, because he speaks a different language, or because he has different views is a great folly. Desist, I implore you, for we are all equally human….Let us have but one end in view – the welfare of humanity.

A Christian, a Deist, a Turk, and a Jew, have equal rights: they are men and brethren.

There will be neither barrier nor walls, neither official nor guard, there will be no more desert and the entire world will become a garden.

My space expedition has changed my perspective towards people. Looking down at the Earth, we could not see borders or people with different nationalities. It was then that realisation dawned on us that all of us are a group of human beings and citizens of the universe.

When will the world start believing that the biggest religion of all is humanity?

We must create a climate where people agree that human beings are more alike than unalike. The only way to do that is through education.

I never think of people's nationality too much. I always look at everybody the same. It's impossible for me to just say one group of people over separate groups of people. Maybe it's because I was raised in New York City which is this melting pot. Everybody was always the same and the whole point of my whole film existence was to say that we're just one race.

The only real nation is humanity

Here is the chance for young women and young men of devotion to lift again the banner of humanity and to walk toward a civilization which will be free and intelligent; which will be healthy and unafraid; and build in the world a culture led by black folk and joined by peoples of all colors and all races - without poverty, ignorance and disease!

Whether we call ourselves communists or capitalists, Hindus or Buddhists, Moslems or Christians, whether we are blind, lame, well or happy, this earth is ours...not somebody else's...it is not only the rich man's earth, but our earth...yours and mine.

Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live.

We're all brothers and sisters. It doesn't matter what language you speak or what color your skin is.

I don't see anyone as being different than anyone else, whether you're gay or straight or whatever - everyone's the same. That's how I was raised.