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I still can't quite grasp what you are telling me. I find…

“I still can't quite grasp what you are telling me. I find it impossible to believe that there would be such unreasoning feeling against harmless people." Amaryl said bitterly, "That's because you've never had any occasion to interest yourself in such things. It can all pass right under your nose…” quote by Isaac Asimov
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““I still can't quite grasp what you are telling me. I find it impossible to believe that there would be such unreasoning feeling against harmless people." Amaryl said bitterly, "That's because you've never had any occasion to interest yourself in such things. It can all pass right under your nose and you wouldn't smell a thing because it doesn't affect you." Dors said, “Mr. Amaryl, Dr. Seldon is a mathematician like you and his head can sometimes be in the clouds. You must understand that. I am a historian, however. I know that it isn’t unusual to have one group of people look down upon another group. There are peculiar and almost ritualistic hatreds that have no rational justification and that can have their serious historical influence. It’s too bad.” Saying something is ‘too bad’ is easy. You say you disapprove, which makes you a nice person, and then you can go about your own business and not be interested anymore. It’s a lot worse than ‘too bad.’ It’s against everything decent and natural. We’re all of us the same, yellow-hairs and black-hairs, tall and short, Easterners, Westerners, Southerners, and Outworlders. We’re all of us, you and I and even the Emperor, descended from the people of Earth, aren’t we?””

Isaac Asimov

About This Quote

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

People often rationalize prejudice as harmless, but it stems from deep‑seated irrational hatred that shapes history.

In simple terms: Prejudice looks harmless but is irrational and historic.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge irrational biases.

Themes

prejudice history human nature empathy

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy making
  • intercultural dialogue
  • media representation

Key Concepts

social psychology group dynamics historical cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we expose hidden biases?
  • What actions can reduce irrational hatred?
A Different Perspective

Prejudice can be justified by “too bad” attitudes, hindering real change.

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