The actual sight of a first-class house that a Negro has built is ten times more potent than pages of discussion about a house that he ought to build, or perhaps could build.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
The thing to do when one feels sure that he has said or done the right thing and is condemned, is to stand still and keep quiet. If he is right, time will show it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Stand firm in your beliefs despite criticism, as time will validate your actions.
This quote emphasizes the importance of conviction and patience in the face of condemnation. It advises individuals who are confident in their righteousness to remain steadfast and silent, trusting that truth will eventually prevail over doubt and criticism.
Themes
CourageTruthPatienceConvictionCriticism
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about standing up for justice.
More from Booker T. Washington
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You go to school, you study about the Germans and the French, but not about your own race. I hope the time will come when you study black history too.
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Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
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I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.
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If I have done anything in life worth attention, I feel sure that I inherited the disposition from my mother.
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