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
I am always surprised people are surprised that people haven't read things.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the common misconception that everyone has read the same things.
Ta-Nehisi Coates points out the irony in people expressing surprise when others have not read widely recognized texts. This quote suggests that reading experiences and backgrounds vary greatly among individuals, and it serves as a reminder that it is unrealistic to assume a universal exposure to literature or knowledge.
Themes
ReadingEducationKnowledgeLiteratureSurprise
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about education in schools, this quote can emphasize the need for diverse reading materials.
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