Backgrounds Quote by James A. Michener
“I feel myself the inheritor of a great background of people. Just who, precisely, they were, I have never known. I might be part Negro, might be part Jew, part Muslim, part Irish. So I can't afford to be supercilious about any group of people because I may be that people.”
About This Quote
The speaker acknowledges uncertain ancestry and uses it to promote humility and respect toward all groups, recognizing shared humanity.
In simple terms: We may share any heritage, so stay humble.
Key Takeaway
Respect all cultures equally.
Themes
identity
humility
diversity
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- education
- community building
Key Concepts
anthropology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does uncertainty about heritage affect your worldview?
- What can you do to honor all possible backgrounds?
A Different Perspective
Ancestry can be a source of pride, not just humility.
![“[Very rich people] with brains make a great effort to hold on to every penny they have while preaching to the general population that freedom and dignity and patriotism are possible only under their protection; in this way they elicit the support of the very people they hold in subjection.” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/james-a-michener-1627_freedom_very-rich-people-with-brains-make-a-grea_8715.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
