It was obvious that bigotry was never a one-way operation, that hatred bred hatred!
Interpretation
Bigotry and hatred perpetuate themselves in a cycle, affecting all involved.
In this quote, Isaac Asimov addresses the nature of bigotry, suggesting that it is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a reciprocal one where hatred fosters more hatred. This cyclical relationship indicates that actions of prejudice not only harm the target but also reflect back on the perpetrator, creating a shared environment of animosity and misunderstanding.
In practice
In a debate on tolerance, a speaker might use this quote to emphasize the mutual harm of bigotry.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
It is possible to be a master in false philosophy, easier, in fact, than to be a master in the truth, because a false philosophy can be made as simple and consistent as one pleases.
Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that's the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing. Nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him if he gives too much.
People can be slave-ships in shoes.
A church without women would be like the apostolic college without Mary. The Madonna is more important than the apostles, and the church herself is feminine, the spouse of Christ and a mother.
I am the angel of Reality, Seen for a moment standing in the door.
The reputation you have with yourself - your self-esteem - is the single most important factor for a fulfilling life.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.