While often attributed to Eduardo Galeano, who popularized it in the late 20th century, the sentiment has roots in earlier social movements. Galeano, a prominent voice of the Latin American left, used his writing to highlight stories of the oppressed and advocate for social justice. This quote perfectly encapsulates his belief in the power of ordinary people to challenge powerful structures.

This quote has become a global mantra for activists, environmentalists, and community organizers. In Latin America especially, it resonates deeply with a history of social movements and collective resistance. You will see it on protest signs, in community centers, and shared widely on social media as a symbol of hope and empowerment.

The quote's power lies in its rhythmic repetition and parallelism—the structure of '...pequeña, en lugares pequeños, haciendo cosas pequeñas'. This literary device, called a tricolon, builds momentum and emphasizes the scale of the collective effort. The final clause, 'puede cambiar el mundo,' creates a powerful contrast, showing how the accumulation of 'small' things can lead to an immense outcome.