Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

10 Inspiring Quotes From Malcolm X Today marks what would have been the 91st birthday of the leader who devoted his life to fighting for racial equality.

By Dan Bova

Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Books and photos of Malcom X

As Justin Worland wrote for Time on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, "his legacy has grown after his death, from a reputation as a dangerous rabble-rouser to that of an American icon." That transformation is evident today, as #MalcolmX trended globally on what would have been the influencial leader's 91st birthday.

Related: Inspirational Quotes From 2016 Commencement Speakers

Here are words of wisdom from the man, spanning his years as an advocate for universal freedom, that people of all colors and religions can find inspiration.

1. Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world.

2. You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

3. Anytime you see someone more successful than you are, they are doing something you aren't.

4. If we don't stand for something, we may fall for anything.

5. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

6. My alma mater was books, a good library. ... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.

7. Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.

8. You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being.

9. Early in life I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.

10. Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

You Have One Month Left to Buy a House, According to Barbara Corcoran. Here's Why.

"If you are planning on waiting a year and seeing where interest rates go, you are out of your mind," Corcoran said.

Franchise

The McRib Is Back, But Only at Select McDonald's — Here's Where to Find It

This scarcity is nothing new. In 2022, McDonald's announced a "Farewell Tour" for the McRib, suggesting that it might be the last time customers could get their hands on it.

Business News

Meta Fires Employee Making $400,000 Per Year Over a $25 Meal Voucher Issue

Other staff members were fired for the same reason, per a new report.

Business News

These 3 Side Hustles Make the Most Money While Working Fewer Hours, According to a New Survey

The survey also found that having a side hustle doubled as a path to becoming more employable.

Side Hustle

In Her Late 30s, She Pursued Another Creative Side Hustle — Then Turned It Into a Multimillion-Dollar Business

Gara Post had built one successful celebrity-magnet business before, so she decided to do it again.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.