Cycle of life Quote by Andrew Solomon
““There is something ironic in prejudice against the disabled and their families, because their plight might befall anybody. Straight men are unlikely to wake up gay one morning, and white children don't become black; but any of us could be disabled in an instant. People with disabilities make up the largest minority in America; they constitute 15 percent of the population, though only 15 percent of those were born with their disability and about a third are over sixty-five. Worldwide, some 550 million people are disabled. The disability-rights scholar Tobin Siebers has written, "The cycle of life runs in actuality from disability to temporary ability back to disablity, and that only if you are among the most fortunate.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, Andrew Solomon, 2015
Prejudice against disability is ironic because anyone could become disabled suddenly, yet society often treats it as a distant issue.
In simple terms: Disability can happen to anyone, but we ignore it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge bias toward disability.
Themes
empathy
inclusion
bias
disability rights
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
advocacy
educational
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- healthcare access
- public awareness campaigns
- education curricula
Key Concepts
social justice
human vulnerability
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you react if you suddenly faced a disability?
- What steps can you take to reduce bias in your community?
A Different Perspective
Prejudice persists despite statistics showing disability is common.
