Boards Quote by Langston Hughes
“Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor -- Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light. So boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now -- For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Mother to Son” from the collection Montage of a Dream Deferred, 1951
Life is a difficult climb with obstacles, but perseverance is essential to keep moving forward despite hardships.
In simple terms: Life is hard but keep going.
Key Takeaway
Persist despite challenges.
Themes
perseverance
resilience
hope
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
inspirational
poetic
When to use this quote
- personal struggle
- career advancement
- education
- health recovery
- social activism
Key Concepts
African American literature
metaphor
determination
Questions to Reflect On
- What obstacles are you facing now?
- How can you support others climbing their own stairs?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex systemic barriers that individuals cannot overcome alone.
![“I am somewhat influenced by the years that I've spent trying to actually get things done, whether it was reforming education in Arkansas or a survey and Legal Services Corporation board when President [Jimmy ]Carter appointed me and trying to get lawyers for poor people. I have worked in these…” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c7/hillary-clinton-51_action_i-am-somewhat-influenced-by-the-years-th_9078.jpg)
