A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
Not long ago, an English writer telephoned me from London, asking questions. One was "What's your alma mater?" I told him, "Books." You will never catch me with a free fifteen minutes in which I'm not studying something I feel might be able to help the black man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Malcolm X emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and education, especially in the context of empowering marginalized communities.
In this quote, Malcolm X reflects on his self-education and the vital role that books play in his life. He conveys the message that education is not limited to formal institutions but can be found in the pursuit of knowledge from various sources, specifically aiming to benefit and uplift the black community. This highlights his dedication to lifelong learning and the responsibility he feels to use his knowledge for social justice.
Themes
EducationSelf-EducationBooksKnowledgeEmpowermentBlack CommunityLifelong Learning
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher could share this quote during a lesson about the importance of self-directed learning.
More from Malcolm X
All quotes →I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
Malcolm XRead
When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
Malcolm XRead
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have — and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth — you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
Malcolm XRead
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
Malcolm XRead
Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Malcolm XRead
Similar quotes
My filmmaking education consisted of finding out what filmmakers I liked were watching, then seeing those films. I learned the technical stuff from books and magazines, and with the new technology you can watch entire movies accompanied by audio commentary from the director. You can learn more from John Sturges' audio track on the 'Bad Day at Black Rock' laserdisc than you can in 20 years of film school. Film school is a complete con, because the information is there if you want it.
Paul Thomas AndersonRead
Reading can take you places you have never been before.
Dr. SeussRead
Education - lifelong education for everyone - from toddlers to workers well advanced in their careers - is indeed an excellent investment for individuals and society as a whole.
Ben BernankeRead
Far from failing in its intended task, our educational system is in fact succeeding magnificently, because its aim is to keep the American people thoughtless enough to go on supporting the system.
Richard MitchellRead
In reading, we are both scientists and poets.
Maryanne WolfRead
Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft.
Winston ChurchillRead