Skip to content

Cambridge Quote by Jamaica Kincaid

“I was just looking at moving to Cambridge, and a house I was looking at cost a million dollars. Because somehow, that's what a house costs. And I was thinking, "How can it be?" And I was thinking, "What am I doing? Am I going to be Niall Ferguson, that horrible man?” quote by Jamaica Kincaid
Download Open image
“I was just looking at moving to Cambridge, and a house I was looking at cost a million dollars. Because somehow, that's what a house costs. And I was thinking, "How can it be?" And I was thinking, "What am I doing? Am I going to be Niall Ferguson, that horrible man?”

Jamaica Kincaid

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015

The speaker questions the absurdity of high housing prices and his own role in perpetuating inequality.

In simple terms: He wonders why houses cost so much and feels uneasy about becoming like a wealthy elite.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on personal values versus market pressures.

Themes

housing economics self‑reflection

Mood

conflicted thoughtful

Type

personal critical contemplative

When to use this quote

  • buying a home
  • career planning
  • budgeting
  • advocacy
  • community engagement

Key Concepts

wealth disparity urban development social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do personal decisions influence broader economic inequality?
  • What values should guide housing choices?
A Different Perspective

The perspective may overlook systemic factors beyond individual choices.

4.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Jamaica Kincaid

Explore all 228 Jamaica Kincaid quotes

More Cambridge quotes

Browse all 184 Cambridge quotes