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
I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred. I resolved then that I would permit no man, no matter what his color, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of love over hatred and how personal dignity should not be compromised by others' negativity.
In this quote, Booker T. Washington illustrates the transformative power of love and the detrimental effects of hatred. He suggests that true greatness is defined by the ability to cultivate love and understanding, rather than succumbing to bitterness and prejudice. He resolves to maintain his dignity and not allow anyone to provoke hatred within him, regardless of their actions or beliefs, indicating a strong moral stance on personal integrity and emotional resilience.
Themes
LoveHatredGreatnessDignityPersonal Integrity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of empathy and understanding in our communities.
More from Booker T. Washington
All quotes →Leaders have devoted themselves to politics, little knowing, it seems _x000D_ that political independence disappears without economic independence _x000D_ that economic independence is the foundation of political independence.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
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.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
If I have done anything in life worth attention, I feel sure that I inherited the disposition from my mother.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
Similar quotes
True wisdom consists of tracing effects to their causes.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
A man's mind is wont to tell him more than seven watchmen sitting in a tower.
Rudyard KiplingRead
Niggas hate what they can't understand, fear what they can't conquer
NasRead
Even if the whole world turns their back on you, you will always have yourself.
Lady GagaRead
You always want to quit while you are ahead. You don't want to be like a fighter who stays too long in the ring until you're not performing at your best.
Clint EastwoodRead
Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water.
Miguel De CervantesRead