Africa Quote by Alexander McCall Smith
![“Everything, all those great things, had happened so far away--or so it seemed to [Mma Ramotswe] at the time. The world was made to sound as if it belonged to other people--to those who lived in distant countries that were so different from Botswana; that was before people had learned to assert…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1a3/alexander-mccall-smith-372_africa_everything-all-those-great-things-had-ha_2150106.jpg)
““Everything, all those great things, had happened so far away--or so it seemed to [Mma Ramotswe] at the time. The world was made to sound as if it belonged to other people--to those who lived in distant countries that were so different from Botswana; that was before people had learned to assert that the world was theirs too, that what happened in Botswana was every bit as important, and valuable, as what happened anywhere else.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Botswana, 1998
The quote reflects a shift from seeing the world as distant and foreign to recognizing that every place, including Botswana, holds equal significance and value.
In simple terms: Realizing every place matters equally.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge all cultures’ importance.
Themes
global awareness
identity
colonial legacy
self‑determination
Mood
reflective
hopeful
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
cultural.
When to use this quote
- travel writing
- international relations
- community development
- education
- media representation
Key Concepts
postcolonialism
cultural relativism
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we actively celebrate local stories worldwide?
- What steps ensure diverse voices are heard equally?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook ongoing global inequities that still marginalize some regions.
![“If the lord came back today, [Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni] thought, he would probably be a mechanic, he reflected. That would be a great honour for mechanics everywhere. And there is no doubt but that e would choose Africa: Israel was far too dangerous these days. In fact, the more one thought about it…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/49e/alexander-mccall-smith-372_quote_if-the-lord-came-back-today-mr-j-l-b-mat_1574820.jpg)
