Humanity Quote by Chinua Achebe
“We cannot trample upon the humanity of others without devaluing our own. The Igbo, always practical, put it concretely in their proverb Onye ji onye n'ani ji onwe ya: 'He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud to keep him down.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: Things Fall Apart, 1958
Devaluing others’ humanity devalues our own; oppression reflects on the oppressor.
In simple terms: Oppressing others harms yourself.
Key Takeaway
Respect all humanity.
Themes
ethics
social justice
human dignity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- community building
- human rights advocacy
- education
Key Concepts
proverbial wisdom
collective responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this proverb apply today?
- What steps can reduce oppression?
A Different Perspective
Oppression can be rationalized by the powerful.
