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Eighteen Quote by Bessie Smith

“There's nineteen men livin' in my neighborhood, Eighteen of them are fools and the one ain't no doggone good.” quote by Bessie Smith
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“There's nineteen men livin' in my neighborhood, Eighteen of them are fools and the one ain't no doggone good.”

Bessie Smith

About This Quote

Source Song: "Backwater Blues" by Bessie Smith, 1927

The quote paints a bleak picture of a community dominated by foolishness, highlighting a single individual who is also lacking value.

In simple terms: A neighborhood full of fools, and even the one person isn’t good.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and avoid toxic environments.

Themes

society criticism community morality

Mood

cynical reflective

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • neighborhood interactions
  • social commentary
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

social decay human folly urban life

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify genuine wisdom in a flawed community?
  • What steps can you take to improve your surroundings?
A Different Perspective

The statement may be hyperbolic and dismissive of nuance.

3.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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