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I’s been livin’ a long time in yesterday, Sandy chile, an’ I knows there ain’t no room in de world fo’ nothin’ mo’n love. I know, chile! Ever’thing there is but lovin’ leaves a rust on yo’ soul. An’ to love sho ‘nough, you got to have a spot in yo’ heart fo’ ever’body – great an’ small, white an’ black, an’ them what’s good an’ them what’s evil – ‘cause love ain’t got no crowded-out places where de good ones stay an’ de bad ones can’t come in. When it gets that way, then it ain’t love.
Langston Hughes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Love is essential for a fulfilling life, and it encompasses acceptance of everyone, regardless of their qualities.

In this quote, Langston Hughes emphasizes the importance of love in life, suggesting that love should be all-encompassing and inclusive. He argues that true love does not discriminate between people based on their goodness or faults; instead, it creates space for everyone in one’s heart. The metaphorical notion that love leaves no room for anything else underlines the idea that love is central to our existence and well-being, transcending divisions and fostering unity.

Themes

LoveAcceptanceInclusivityUnityHeart

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a discussion on the importance of love in relationships.

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