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I have been made to feel sad for such persons because I am…

“I have been made to feel sad for such persons because I am conscious of the fact that mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not…” quote by Booker T. Washington
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““I have been made to feel sad for such persons because I am conscious of the fact that mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit. Every persecuted individual and race should get much consolation out of the great human law, which is universal and eternal, that merit, no matter under what skin found, is, in the long run, recognized and rewarded.””

Booker T. Washington

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Merit transcends race; true advancement depends on personal worth, not merely racial affiliation.

In simple terms: Personal merit matters more than race.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate your own abilities.

Themes

equality merit justice

Mood

reflective determined

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • career advancement
  • civil rights activism

Key Concepts

social hierarchy intrinsic value

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies better recognize merit across all groups?
  • What role does community support play?
A Different Perspective

Merit alone may not overcome systemic barriers.

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