I was eight years old when I got the talk about what to do if a police officer stops me. I was 15 when I was face-down on the curb for the first time.
Jason ReynoldsRead
Having a superpower has nothing to do with the ability to fly or jump, or superhuman strength. The truest superpowers are the ones we all possess: willpower, integrity, and most importantly, courage.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True superpowers are not physical abilities but qualities like willpower and courage.
In this quote, Jason Reynolds emphasizes that the real essence of having a 'superpower' lies not in fantastical abilities like flying or superhuman strength, but in the innate qualities that people can harness within themselves, such as willpower, integrity, and courage. These traits are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving personal greatness in life.
Themes
SuperpowerCourageWillpowerIntegrityStrength
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to inspire students to realize their inner strength.
More from Jason Reynolds
All quotes →If a kid is reading a book about someone who looks like them but doesn't talk like them, we stunt their growth by dissing them.
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Hip-hop saved me. It gave me permission to use language in a certain way. It validated my community and my friends. It gave our slang a certain elegance.
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People always say time heals. Time doesn't necessarily heal anything. It allows you to manage things. There are occasions where you feel the pain as if it just happened, but you know that it's a fleeting moment.
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I try to create characters people want to sit with, even if nothing is happening.
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