This is a second look at some of the thoughts of South African author, human rights advocate, Christian thinker, and educator, Alan Paton (1903-1988), who is best know for his book Cry, the Beloved Country. It’s a haunting book on the tragedy of race relations in South Africa, and one which shaped much of my thinking during my late teenage years. I still remember the opening two sentences of the book – perhaps because the countryside remains etched in my memory… There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. I hope you enjoy reflecting on some of Paton’s insights…
- There is only one way to endure man’s inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one’s own life, to exemplify man’s humanity to man. Alan Paton
- Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong, nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich. Alan Paton
- It is not ‘forgive and forget’ as if nothing wrong had ever happened, but ‘forgive and move forward,’ building on the mistakes of the past and the energy generated by reconciliation to create a new future. Alan Paton
- God forgives us… who am I not to forgive? Alan Paton
As always, nice chatting…
