Ask me Quote by Chinua Achebe
![“You sound as if you question the authority and the decision of the Oracle, who said he should die." "I do not. Why should I? But the Oracle did not ask me to carry out its decision." [...] "The Earth cannot punish me for obeying her mesenger," Okonkwo said. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a…” quote by Chinua Achebe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9d1/chinua-achebe-781_ask-me_you-sound-as-if-you-question-the-authori_2499504.jpg)
“You sound as if you question the authority and the decision of the Oracle, who said he should die." "I do not. Why should I? But the Oracle did not ask me to carry out its decision." [...] "The Earth cannot punish me for obeying her mesenger," Okonkwo said. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into its palm.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, 1958
A character debates obedience to divine authority versus personal conscience, highlighting moral autonomy.
In simple terms: Question blind obedience.
Key Takeaway
Think critically about authority.
Themes
morality
authority
conscience
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership training
- ethical debates
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
cultural tradition
Questions to Reflect On
- When should we obey tradition?
- How do we balance duty with personal ethics?
A Different Perspective
Rigid adherence can ignore context and harm.
