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Descendants Quote by Francine du Plessix Gray

“The spiritual destiny of Hawaii has been shaped by a Calvinist theory of paternalism enacted by the descendants of the missionaries who had carried it there: a will to do good for unfortunates regardless of what the unfortunates thought about it.” quote by Francine du Plessix Gray
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“The spiritual destiny of Hawaii has been shaped by a Calvinist theory of paternalism enacted by the descendants of the missionaries who had carried it there: a will to do good for unfortunates regardless of what the unfortunates thought about it.”

Francine du Plessix Gray

About This Quote

Source Book: The Spiritual Destiny of Hawaii, 1995

Missionary descendants imposed a paternalistic, Calvinist approach, aiming to help the poor regardless of their wishes.

In simple terms: Missionaries imposed help without asking.

Key Takeaway

Respect autonomy when offering aid.

Themes

colonialism ethics philanthropy culture

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical ethical

When to use this quote

  • nonprofit work
  • community development
  • policy making
  • cultural preservation

Key Concepts

history theology social justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can aid honor local agency?
  • What lessons from history inform modern philanthropy?
A Different Perspective

Well-intentioned aid can become oppressive.

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