Meaning: This quote by Eldridge Cleaver emphasizes the importance of a nation's self-respect and honor in the face of wrong and injustice. Cleaver, an activist and prominent figure in the civil rights movement, highlights the potential calamity that can result from a nation's passive acceptance of wrongdoing and injustice. In his view, such a supine submission can lead to the loss of national self-respect and honor, which are essential for safeguarding a people's safety and greatness.

Cleaver's quote reflects a broader theme of social and political activism that characterized his career. As a prominent member of the Black Panther Party, Cleaver was deeply involved in advocating for civil rights and challenging systemic injustices. His words carry a sense of urgency and a call to action, urging individuals and nations to resist complacency in the face of oppression and to uphold their self-respect and honor as essential safeguards against calamity.

The notion of national self-respect and honor as crucial elements for safeguarding a nation's safety and greatness has been a recurring theme in political discourse and international relations. It speaks to the idea that a nation's moral standing and integrity are integral to its stability and prosperity. When a nation succumbs to wrong and injustice without resistance, it not only compromises its own values but also risks inviting further calamity and undermining its own security and potential for greatness.

Cleaver's perspective also underscores the interconnectedness of individual and collective action in shaping the destiny of nations. The notion of a "great nation" in his quote implies a collective responsibility and agency, suggesting that the actions and choices of individuals within a nation have the power to influence its course. By highlighting the consequences of supine submission to wrong and injustice, Cleaver emphasizes the role of individual and collective agency in shaping the character and fate of a nation.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the idea that national self-respect and honor are not merely symbolic or abstract concepts but are directly linked to a nation's safety and greatness. It suggests that a nation's moral integrity and commitment to justice are fundamental to its long-term security and potential for achieving greatness. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to principles of justice and moral integrity, a nation can fortify itself against the calamities that may arise from compromising these values.

In conclusion, Eldridge Cleaver's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of national self-respect and honor in the face of wrong and injustice. It encapsulates the idea that a nation's passive acceptance of injustice can lead to calamity, and that upholding principles of justice and moral integrity is essential for safeguarding its safety and greatness. Cleaver's words resonate with a sense of urgency and a call to action, embodying the spirit of social and political activism that characterized his advocacy for civil rights and social justice.