The actual sight of a first-class house that a Negro has built is ten times more potent than pages of discussion about a house that he ought to build, or perhaps could build.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
Great men cultivate love and only little men cherish a spirit of hatred; assistance given to the weak makes the one who gives it strong; oppression of the unfortunate makes one weak.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Greatness is built on love, not hatred, and helping others strengthens us while oppressing them weakens us.
In this quote, Booker T. Washington emphasizes the profound truth that true greatness in individuals is marked by their capacity to love and support others. He contrasts this with the negativity of hatred, asserting that those who live with a spirit of animosity are limited in their growth. Washington further highlights the moral strength that comes from aiding those who are weak, suggesting that compassion and assistance elevate both the giver and the receiver. Conversely, he warns that inflicting oppression on the less fortunate only serves to diminish one’s own character and strength.
Themes
LoveHatredStrengthAssistanceOppressionGreatness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech promoting community service, one might reference this quote to encourage compassion.
More from Booker T. Washington
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You go to school, you study about the Germans and the French, but not about your own race. I hope the time will come when you study black history too.
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Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
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I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.
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If I have done anything in life worth attention, I feel sure that I inherited the disposition from my mother.
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