Man is a wonder to himself; he can neither govern nor know himself.
Benjamin WhichcoteRead
There are an awful lot of people who despise government precisely because it opened the door for common citizenship for people of all races and all natures in the United States.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the disdain some people feel towards government due to its role in promoting equality and citizenship.
Taylor Branch reflects on the irony that many individuals harbor animosity towards the government, attributing this sentiment to its legislative efforts that fostered inclusivity and equal citizenship across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in the United States. This opposition stems from a resistance to change and an inability to embrace a society that values diversity and equality.
Themes
GovernmentCitizenshipEqualityDiversityRacism
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on social justice, this quote can be used to illustrate the challenges of achieving equality.
Similar quotes
Curiously enough, it seems to be only in describing a mode of language which does not mean what it says that one can actually say what one means.
Paul De ManRead
I believe strongly in 'giving while living.' I see little reason to delay giving when so much good can be achieved through supporting worthwhile causes today. Besides, it's a lot more fun to give while you live than to give while you are dead.
Chuck FeeneyRead
Hell is the backdrop that reveals the profound and unbelievable grace of the cross. It brings to light the enormity of our sin and therefore portrays the undeserved favor of God in full color.
Francis ChanRead
These pages are not my confession; they’re my definition. And I feel, as I begin to write it, that I can write it with some semblance of truth.
Fernando PessoaRead
[T]he truth is that drug addicts have a disease. It only takes a short time in the streets to realize that out-of-control addiction is a medical problem, not a form of recreational or criminal behavior. And the more society treats drug addiction as a crime, the more money drug dealers will make "relieving" the suffering of the addicts.
Jay-ZRead