I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
Langston HughesRead
I will not take 'but' for an answer. Negroes have been looking at democracy's 'but' too long.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the determination to demand equitable treatment without accepting excuses or compromises.
Langston Hughes emphasizes the need for direct and uncompromising engagement with the principles of democracy. The quote reflects the frustration of African Americans who have long faced systemic barriers and delays in achieving true equality, indicating that mere promises or half-hearted efforts are no longer acceptable.
Themes
DemocracyEqualityCourageJusticeFrustration
In practice
Example use cases
During a civil rights gathering to inspire activists, this quote can be used to underline the urgency for true equality.
More from Langston Hughes
All quotes βMy writing has been largely concerned with the depicting of Negro life in America.
Langston HughesRead
I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Langston HughesRead
An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
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The calm, Cool face of the river, Asked me for a kiss
Langston HughesRead
The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.
Langston HughesRead
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