10 of Fred's most motivating quotes
Whether you seek motivation, want to make a difference in the world, or simply look to uplift your spirits, these quotes will surely inspire you to follow in Fred’s footsteps
1. "The essence of the human being is our capacity to help others; it is what seperates us from the animals."
Fred lived his life by this creed and dedicated his time to restoring sight to those who needed it the most in remote and under-resourced parts of Australia and the world.
2. "Individuals can and must help. Look at the problem and do something, don't just sit back."
When Fred saw something that he believed was wrong, he couldn’t help but act. Fred’s inherent need to do something shaped his career, his desire for social justice, and his legacy that lives on today.
3. "As human beings we must do things to help each other. Disequity diminishes us all."
Fred wasn’t bound by borders and had lived in and travelled to many countries; he knew that people all over the world have the same hopes, dreams, and fears. He dedicated his life to achieving equity through eye health.4. "The great challenges are not really personal challenges: How much can I do? - The great challenges are what structures can I help set in place that will alter things?"
Photographer: Michael Amendolia
5. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you teach him to feed himself."
Fred saw that doctors in under-resourced countries weren’t being trained in modern cataract surgery, meaning people in developing countries had poorer outcomes simply because of where they lived. He wanted to build local skills and public health capacity at every level.6. "I hope all Aboriginal children will grow up in an equal world."
Fred was an advocate for equal eye health opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Foundation is committed to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples so that they can exercise the same rights as every other Australian.7. "Every eye is an eye. When you are doing surgery there, that is just as important as if you were doing eye surgery on the Prime Minister or King."
Fred believed that everyone had the right to good eye health. He focused on fighting inequities so that the divide between the rich and the poor could be closed.
8. "Good honest work. How many people have the opportunity to be part of that? To watch that sort of good surgery being done on cataract-blind people warms your soul."
Fred knew the thrill and joy of freeing someone from avoidable blindness.
Photo: The Fred Hollows Foundation
9. "Restoring someone's sight, just as a human act, is a good thing to do right but you can't go through your life just blissfully ignorant of the whole process that is occuring."
10. "You have got to get people involved, you have got to mobilise them, you have got to make the healthy system part of them."
Fred knew that in order to drive lasting, sustainable change in eye health care, it was vital to train and equip local people. Strengthening the local eye health workforce gave communities the chance to help themselves.
Do you have a Fred story you'd like to share with us?
We love hearing from our readers and supporters who had a personal connection with Fred. Maybe you witnessed his humanitarian work firsthand or worked with Fred? Perhaps you or a family member were treated by him? Get in touch and share your memory on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.
COVER PHOTO: Newspix