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It is not races but individuals that are noble and…

“It is not races but individuals that are noble and courageous or ignoble and craven or considerate or persistent or philosophical or reasonable. The race gets credit when the percentage of noble individuals is high.” quote by Edwin Way Teale
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“It is not races but individuals that are noble and courageous or ignoble and craven or considerate or persistent or philosophical or reasonable. The race gets credit when the percentage of noble individuals is high.”

Edwin Way Teale

About This Quote

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

Individual character defines virtue, not group identity; the collective reputation depends on the proportion of noble people.

In simple terms: Character matters more than group labels.

Key Takeaway

Focus on personal growth and virtue.

Themes

ethics individualism character morality

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • team building
  • community development
  • education

Key Concepts

virtue ethics social identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess character beyond group stereotypes?
  • Can a society thrive if only a few are truly noble?
A Different Perspective

Collective judgments can overlook individual nuance.

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