John Lewis

I believe in nonviolence as a way of life, as a way of living.

Academy of Achievement web site (url accessed on October 22, 2008) , 2008

We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.

On the (March 2010), quoted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her closing remarks. See: Christopher Beam (March 21, 2010): It’s Been Real: Scenes from the Capitol in the final showdown over health care reform. In: Slate magazine. Archived from the original on November 14, 2024. See also: Julia Scatliff O'Grady (March 21, 2010): Time Has Chosen Us. In: ticktalking.wordpress.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. While I intuitively grasp Speaker Pelosi and John Lewis’ intent, what does it really means for time to choose us? When one must act courageously –in matters of love or to vote for a controversial bill –it can help to imagine that time, is somehow predetermined. Time is an agent that somehow has control over us. Instead of actions being subject to whim or free will, all life has been planned ahead. While I am both thrilled and relieved for health care reform, I believe it is crucial to leave capital T time and John Calvin out of the equation and take individual responsibility for our thoughts and actions or at least wrestle with our lives without the interference of a clock that grabs us. Time cannot choose anything or anyone. It is a mistake to try to go there in political rhetoric and everyday conversations. I encourage us all to speak for ourselves while time remains on the clock." --> , 2010

I thought I was going to die a few times. On the Freedom Ride in the year 1961, when I was beaten at the Greyhound bus station in Montgomery, I thought I was going to die. On March 7th, 1965, when I was hit in the head with a night stick by a State Trooper at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, I thought I was going to die. I thought I saw death, but nothing can make me question the philosophy of nonviolence.

Academy of Achievement web site (url accessed on October 22, 2008) , 1961

A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option. For peace cannot exist where justice is not served. I urge each and everyone of our colleagues to support this legislation.

Floor Statement in support of H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act: , 2020

Next time we march we may have to keep going when we get to Montgomery. We may have to on to Washington.

Told to New York Times on March 7, 1965 by Lewis, chairman of the Student Non-violent Co-ordinating Committee and organizer of the Selma to Montgomery march after police stopped the demonstrators with violence. , 1965