“I don’t believe in charity. I believe in solidarity.”
— Ralph Nader
Simplified Meaning:
The quote is saying that instead of just giving help to people in need, it’s better to stand with them and support their goals. Imagine a friend who is struggling with their homework. Charity is like simply giving them the answers, while solidarity is sitting with them, helping them understand, and making sure they get the skills they need to do it on their own next time. This way, your friend becomes more capable and confident. In history, think about how workers form unions. When a worker has a problem, the union doesn’t just hand out money to solve it. Instead, the union stands together, pushing for better pay and conditions for everyone. This is stronger and more lasting help because it makes real changes that benefit all workers, not just a temporary fix for one person. In our own lives, if we want to help someone, we can do more than just give money. We can work together with them, listen to their needs, and find ways to support their long-term goals. This builds a stronger community where everyone helps and learns from each other.