The revolutionary's role is to liberate, and to be liberated, with the people - not to win them over

The revolutionary's role is to liberate, and to be liberated, with the people - not to win them over

Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher, is best known for his work on critical pedagogy and his belief in the power of education to transform society. One of his most famous quotes is, “The revolutionary's role is to liberate, and to be liberated, with the people - not to win them over.” This statement encapsulates Freire's belief that true liberation can only be achieved through collective action and solidarity with the oppressed.

Freire's concept of liberation is deeply rooted in his understanding of power dynamics and the role of education in challenging oppressive systems. He believed that traditional education often served to reinforce existing power structures and perpetuate inequality. In his seminal work, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," Freire argued that education should be a tool for liberation, empowering individuals to critically analyze their own reality and work towards social change.

According to Freire, the revolutionary's role is not to impose their ideas or agenda on the people, but to work alongside them in a process of mutual liberation. This means recognizing the inherent dignity and agency of all individuals, and creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration. The revolutionary must be willing to listen, learn, and be transformed by the experiences and perspectives of the people they seek to liberate.

For Freire, true liberation is not a one-way process, but a reciprocal relationship in which both the revolutionary and the people are transformed. This requires a deep commitment to solidarity, empathy, and humility. The revolutionary must be willing to confront their own biases and privilege, and to challenge the systems of oppression that benefit them.