Diamond Quote by Langston Hughes
“Yet the ivory gods, And the ebony gods, And the gods of diamond-jade, Are only silly puppet gods That people themselves Have made.-”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (excerpt), 1921
People create idols from materials, but these idols are empty; the true gods are the people themselves.
In simple terms: People make silly idols; they are the real gods.
Key Takeaway
Recognize human agency.
Themes
identity
power
creation
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political activism
- cultural critique
- personal empowerment
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What idols do we worship today?
- How can we reclaim agency?
A Different Perspective
Idols can still hold influence over people.
