Skip to content

It ain't have no place in the world that exactly like a…

“It ain't have no place in the world that exactly like a place where a lot of men get together to look for work and draw money from the Welfare State while they ain't working. Is a kind of place where hate and disgust and avarice and malice and sympathy and sorrow and pity all mix up. Is a place…” quote by Samuel Selvon
Download Open image
““It ain't have no place in the world that exactly like a place where a lot of men get together to look for work and draw money from the Welfare State while they ain't working. Is a kind of place where hate and disgust and avarice and malice and sympathy and sorrow and pity all mix up. Is a place where everyone is your enemy and your friend.””

Samuel Selvon

About This Quote

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

A place where many gather seeking jobs, yet rely on welfare, creating mixed feelings of hatred, greed, and compassion, blurring friend‑enemy lines.

In simple terms: Welfare dependence breeds complex emotions and ambiguous relationships.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address the social tensions in such communities.

Themes

social inequality community dynamics human emotions

Mood

melancholic critical

Type

social commentary observational

When to use this quote

  • urban unemployment
  • public assistance programs
  • community meetings
  • neighborhood watch
  • political debates

Key Concepts

welfare state dependency social cohesion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reliance on welfare affect community bonds?
  • What can reduce the “enemy‑friend” paradox?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize conflict, overlooking systemic solutions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Selvon

Explore all 7 Samuel Selvon quotes

More Hate quotes

Browse all 17,830 Hate quotes