Derrick Bell Quotes

15 quotes in 306 categories

• All ethical people strive to choose "right" over "easy" when confronted by situations that force them to choose one or the other.
• Black people are the magical faces at the bottom of society's well. Even the poorest whites, those who must live their lives only a few…
• The challenge throughout has been to tell what I view as the truth about racism without causing disabling despair.
• Slavery is, as an example of what white America has done, a constant reminder of what white America might do.
• I live to harass white folks.
• A rule without exceptions is an instrument capable of doing mischief to the innocent and bringing grief - as well as injustice - to those…
• It appears that my worst fears have been realised: we have made progress in everything yet nothing has changed.
• We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.
• Courage is a decision you make to act in a way that works through your own fear for the greater good as opposed to pure…
• However self-sufficient we may fancy ourselves, we exist only in relation -- to our friend, family, and life partners; to those we teach and mentor;…
• Power in the hands of the reformer is no less potentially corrupting than in the hands of the oppressor.
• Resistance is a powerful motivator precisely because it enables us to fulfill our longing to achieve our goals while letting us boldly recognize and name…
• Education leads to enlightenment. Enlightenment opens the way to empathy. Empathy foreshadows reform.
• Few whites are ready to actively promote civil rights for blacks.
• It appears that my worst fears have been realized: we have made progress in everything yet nothing has changed

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