I think people really need to think what it's like to have all of society arrayed against you.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the struggle of individuals who face societal opposition and discrimination.
Octavia Butler's quote encourages reflection on the profound challenges that individuals face when society is aligned against them. It underscores the importance of empathy and understanding for those who experience systemic biases, illustrating how oppressive societal forces can affect personal identity and well-being.
In practice
During a community event on social justice, this quote can be used to spark a discussion about systemic inequality.
What I'm working on now - I'm back to fantasy, although considering that it's me, I'm turning it into a kind of science fantasy. It's a vampire story - but my vampires are biological vampires. They didn't become vampires because someone bit them; they were born that way.
Slavery was a long slow process of dulling.
Here I was into astronomy, and here into anthropology, and there I go into geology. It was much more fun to be able to research and write about whatever I wanted to.
There is no end To what a living world Will demand of you.
You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.
Better to stay alive," I said. "At least while there's a chance to get free." I thought of the sleeping pills in my bag and wondered just how great a hypocrite I was. It was so easy to advise other people to live with their pain.
Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so. For, those, whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow. Die not, poor death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
We can do nothing without the body, let us always take care that it is in the best condition to sustain us.
Some men never feel small, but these are the few men who are.
The New Testament is of full authority and open to the understanding of simple men as to the points most needful to salvation.
And then he greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, equals, they departed this life.
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