---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When a bachelor of philosophy from the…"
description: "\"When a bachelor of philosophy from the Antilles refuses to apply for certification as a teacher on the grounds of his color I say that philosophy has n..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/868/frantz-fanon-3566_bachelors_when-a-bachelor-of-philosophy-from-the-a_3055398.jpg"
---

#  When a bachelor of philosophy from the Antilles refuses to…

![“When a bachelor of philosophy from the Antilles refuses to apply for certification as a teacher on the grounds of his color I say that philosophy has never saved anyone. When someone else strives and strains to prove to me that black men are as intelligent as white men I say that intelligence has…” quote by Frantz Fanon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/868/frantz-fanon-3566_bachelors_when-a-bachelor-of-philosophy-from-the-a_3055398.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/868/frantz-fanon-3566_bachelors_when-a-bachelor-of-philosophy-from-the-a_3055398.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/868/frantz-fanon-3566_bachelors_when-a-bachelor-of-philosophy-from-the-a_3055398.jpg)

> “When a bachelor of philosophy from the Antilles refuses to apply for certification as a teacher on the grounds of his color I say that philosophy has never saved anyone. When someone else strives and strains to prove to me that black men are as intelligent as white men I say that intelligence has never saved anyone: and that is true, for, if philosophy and intelligence are invoked to proclaim the equality of men, they have also been employed to justify the extermination of men.”

[Frantz Fanon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frantz-fanon/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Philosophy and intelligence have never saved anyone; they can justify oppression.

**In simple terms:** Philosophy/intelligence fail to save; can justify oppression.

Key Takeaway

Question reliance on abstract concepts for equality.

Themes

race philosophy justice

Mood

critical provocative

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

- education reform
- activism
- policy making

Key Concepts

critical theory social critique

Questions to Reflect On

- How can philosophy serve liberation?
- What alternatives to intellect can promote equality?

A Different Perspective

Abstract ideas can inspire positive change.

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