God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be. Follow always that great law. Let the sky and God be our limit and Eternity our measurement.

Marcus Garvey’s quote emphasizes the dual role of divine and human effort in shaping our identity and destiny. He begins by stating that God and Nature are the initial forces that create who we are, suggesting that our existence is influenced by both spiritual and natural laws. However, Garvey goes further to say that, through our own genius and creativity, we also have the power to shape ourselves and determine our path, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility in self-creation.

Garvey then refers to a "great law," which can be interpreted as a universal principle or guideline for life. By encouraging people to follow this law, he advocates for a balance between accepting the divine and natural foundation of our lives and exercising our own agency to reach our fullest potential. His message is about empowerment, urging individuals to strive toward their goals while understanding that both divine and personal efforts contribute to success.

The phrase "Let the sky and God be our limit and Eternity our measurement" expands on the idea of limitless possibility and aspiration. Garvey suggests that the only boundaries to human achievement are the heavens and God’s will, meaning that there is no limit to what we can achieve if we align ourselves with higher purpose and infinite potential. By using Eternity as the measurement, Garvey emphasizes a long-term, visionary outlook—reminding people that the consequences of their actions and ambitions extend beyond the immediate or the material, into timeless legacy and significance.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Garvey’s role as a leader in the Pan-Africanism movement, where he encouraged people, especially of African descent, to recognize their inherent worth and potential. His call to embrace both divine purpose and individual responsibility reflects his belief in self-determination and the power of collective action. Through this quote, Garvey highlights the importance of faith, aspiration, and legacy in shaping a better future for humanity.