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I didn't start off as a journalist; I started off as a poet. My ambition was to practise poetry. Then I found journalism, but that other voice never fled from me.
Ta-Nehisi Coates
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the importance of one's roots and original ambitions in shaping their career path.

Ta-Nehisi Coates reflects on his journey from poetry to journalism, emphasizing how his initial passion for poetry continues to influence his work. He suggests that regardless of the paths we take in our careers, the core of who we are and what we love remains with us, shaping our perspectives and voices in every endeavor.

Themes

PoetryJournalismAmbitionVoiceCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used to inspire students to pursue their original passions, even if they take a different career path.

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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.
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You can't make a direct comparison between middle-class African Americans and middle-class white Americans, affluent African Americans and affluent white Americans. The amount of wealth tends to be less.
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