We have heard stories about white men who make the…
![“We have heard stories about white men who make the powerful guns and the strong drinks and took slaves away across the seas, but no one thought the stories were true." [said Obierika]"There is no story that is not true," said Uchendu. "The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an…” quote by Chinua Achebe](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/241/chinua-achebe-781_heard-stories_we-have-heard-stories-about-white-men-wh_2869077.png)
“We have heard stories about white men who make the powerful guns and the strong drinks and took slaves away across the seas, but no one thought the stories were true." [said Obierika]"There is no story that is not true," said Uchendu. "The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others. We have albinos among us. Do you not think that they came to our clan by mistake, that they have strayed from their way to a land where everybody is like them?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage highlights cultural relativism, the danger of assuming one’s own customs are universal, and the presence of myths that may be false or misunderstood.
In simple terms: Different cultures see truth differently; myths can mislead.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions about other cultures.
Themes
cultural relativism
truth
myths
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- intercultural dialogue
- education
- media analysis
- policy making
Key Concepts
anthropology
ethics
colonialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we discern truth in cross‑cultural narratives?
- What responsibilities do we have when sharing others’ stories?
A Different Perspective
Stories can be distorted by power; truth is contested.