Skip to content

I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and…

“I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred. I resolved then that I would permit no man, no matter what his color, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.” quote by Booker T. Washington
Download Open image
“I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred. I resolved then that I would permit no man, no matter what his color, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.”

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.

Great men foster love; petty men cling to hatred, which degrades the soul.

In simple terms: Love builds character; hatred corrodes.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate love, reject hatred.

Themes

morality character racial equality

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

ethical historical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • education
  • community building
  • personal conduct

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy social justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you transform hatred into compassion?
  • What practices nurture love?
A Different Perspective

Hatred can be deeply ingrained.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Booker T. Washington

Explore all 174 Booker T. Washington quotes

More Cherish quotes

Browse all 1,279 Cherish quotes