The revolutionary sees his task as liberation not only of the oppressed but also of the oppressor. Happiness can never truly exist in a state of tension.

Steven Biko’s quote emphasizes the idea that true liberation goes beyond freeing the oppressed; it also involves liberating the oppressor. Biko suggests that the revolutionary’s task is not only to end the suffering of those who are being oppressed but also to address the moral and psychological harm caused to the oppressor. By perpetuating oppression, the oppressor becomes trapped in a system of injustice that stifles their own humanity, making them equally in need of freedom and transformation.

The second part of the quote, “Happiness can never truly exist in a state of tension,” underscores the belief that true happiness cannot thrive in an environment of conflict and unresolved tension. For Biko, happiness requires reconciliation and a sense of peace. In a society where there is ongoing oppression or inequality, the tension created by these injustices prevents any genuine sense of fulfillment for both the oppressed and the oppressor. Only through freedom and justice can individuals and societies experience true happiness.

Biko, a South African anti-apartheid activist and leader, was deeply concerned with the impact of systemic oppression on both the victims and perpetrators of racial injustice. His work focused on the psychological and emotional damage caused by apartheid, and he believed that achieving freedom meant addressing the harm done to all parties involved. This quote reflects his vision for a more just society, one where true peace and happiness could only be achieved by dismantling systems of inequality that create division.

The origin of this quote lies in Biko’s broader philosophy of Black Consciousness and his advocacy for the rights and dignity of Black people in South Africa. Biko believed that the struggle for liberation was not just a political movement, but a moral and spiritual quest for the restoration of humanity. His quote speaks to the profound belief that freedom and happiness are interconnected, and true liberation can only be realized when everyone, both oppressed and oppressor, is freed from the destructive forces of injustice and division.