Libertarian action must recognize this dependence as a weak point and must attempt through reflection and action to transform it into independence. However, not even the best-intentioned leadership can bestow independence as a gift. The liberation of the oppressed is a liberation of women and men, not things. Accordingly, while no one liberates himself by his own efforts alone, neither is he liberated by others. Liberation, a human phenomenon, cannot be achieved by semihumans. Any attempt to treat people as semihumans only dehumanizes them.
Paulo FreireDialogue cannot exist, however, in the absence of a profound love for the world and its people.
Paulo FreireThe road to revolution involves openness to the people, not imperviousness to them; it involves communion with the people, not mistrust.
Paulo FreireHow can I be an educator if I do not develop in myself a caring and loving attitude toward the student, which is indispensable on the part of one who is committed to teaching and to the education process itself.
Paulo FreireThe trust of the people in the leaders reflects the confidence of the leaders in the people.
Paulo FreireWhether the teacher is authoritarian, undisciplined, competent, incompetent, serious, irresponsible, involved, a lover of people and of life, cold, angry with the world, bureaucratic, excessively rational, or whatever else, he/she will not pass through the classroom without leaving his or her mark on the students.
Paulo Freire