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.
You can live in the world of myth and be taken seriously.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that embracing myths can lead to genuine recognition and respect in society.
Ta-Nehisi Coates highlights the significance of myth in shaping our understanding of reality. Myths, whether personal or cultural, hold power in influencing perceptions and beliefs. By engaging with these narratives, individuals can navigate the complexities of the world and still be impactful and respected. The quote emphasizes that even in a seemingly rational world, the stories we tell and the myths we uphold play a vital role in how we are perceived and valued.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal identity, one could use this quote to discuss how personal narratives shape our lives.
More from Ta-Nehisi Coates
All quotes βWe've got in the habit of not really understanding how freedom was in the 19th century, the idea of government of the people in the 19th century. America commits itself to that in theory.
I never expected my writing to become as popular as it did.
It's hard for me to view Baltimore outside the context of what Baltimore has always been in my mind: a violent place.
If I could have anything - you know, and this is across the board for any presidential candidate - I would have a greater acknowledgment of history in our policy and in our affairs.
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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Even the holy men who lived before the coming of Christ understood that God had in mind plans of peace for the human race.
A black man of my generation born in the late 1960s is more than twice as likely to go to prison in his lifetime then a black man of my father's generation. I was born after the Voting Rights Act, after the Civil Rights Act, after the Fair Housing Act.
One evening at Chequers the film was Oliver Twist. Rufus, as usual, had the best seat in the house, on his master's lap. At the point when Bill Sikes was about to drown his dog to put the police off his track, Churchill covered Rufus's eyes with his hand. He said, "Don't look now, dear. I'll tell you about it afterwards."
We all belong to South Africa, and South Africa belongs to us all.