There's a kind of optimism specifically within Christianity about the world - about whose side God is on. Well, I didn't have any of that in my background. I had physicality and chaos.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
You can live in the world of myth and be taken seriously.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that embracing myths can lead to genuine recognition and respect in society.
Ta-Nehisi Coates highlights the significance of myth in shaping our understanding of reality. Myths, whether personal or cultural, hold power in influencing perceptions and beliefs. By engaging with these narratives, individuals can navigate the complexities of the world and still be impactful and respected. The quote emphasizes that even in a seemingly rational world, the stories we tell and the myths we uphold play a vital role in how we are perceived and valued.
Themes
MythRealityPerceptionStorytellingRecognition
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal identity, one could use this quote to discuss how personal narratives shape our lives.
More from Ta-Nehisi Coates
All quotes βWe've got in the habit of not really understanding how freedom was in the 19th century, the idea of government of the people in the 19th century. America commits itself to that in theory.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
I never expected my writing to become as popular as it did.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
It's hard for me to view Baltimore outside the context of what Baltimore has always been in my mind: a violent place.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
If I could have anything - you know, and this is across the board for any presidential candidate - I would have a greater acknowledgment of history in our policy and in our affairs.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
You can't make a direct comparison between middle-class African Americans and middle-class white Americans, affluent African Americans and affluent white Americans. The amount of wealth tends to be less.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
Similar quotes
To become spiritual, you must die to self, and come alive in the Lord. Only then will the mysteries of God fall from your lips. To die to self through self-discipline causes suffering but brings you everlasting life.
RumiRead
If you're really listening, if you're awake to the poignant beauty of the world, your heart breaks regularly. In fact, your heart is made to break; its purpose is to burst open again and again so that it can hold evermore wonders.
Andrew HarveyRead
There is a history in all men's lives.
William ShakespeareRead
As the war was just in its origin and necessary and noble in its objects, we can reflect with a proud satisfaction that in carrying it on no principle of justice or honor, no usage of civilized nations, no precept of courtesy or humanity, have been infringed.
James MadisonRead
If virtuous, the government need not fear the fair operation of attack and defense. Nature has given to man no other means of sifting the truth, either in religion, law, or politics.
Thomas JeffersonRead
Life should be lived on the edge of life. You have to exercise rebellion: to refuse to tape yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge - and then you are going to live your life on a tightrope.
Philippe PetitRead