Skip to content

Achieve Quote by Lewis Nkosi

“I have seen white settlers in Africa who had sworn that they would never sit down to table with those "smelly blacks" sit down quite happily with half-nude tribesmen once a country achieves independence. It is the context of power which changes behavior and transmutes antipathy into sympathy.” quote by Lewis Nkosi
Download Open image
“I have seen white settlers in Africa who had sworn that they would never sit down to table with those "smelly blacks" sit down quite happily with half-nude tribesmen once a country achieves independence. It is the context of power which changes behavior and transmutes antipathy into sympathy.”

Lewis Nkosi

About This Quote

Source Essay: "Power and Change" in African Literature Review, 1995

Power shifts alter attitudes, turning hatred into sympathy after independence.

In simple terms: Power changes behavior towards former enemies.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge power’s role in shaping relations.

Themes

politics colonialism social change

Mood

critical analytical

Type

historical sociopolitical

When to use this quote

  • post-colonial policy
  • reconciliation programs
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

power dynamics psychological transformation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does power influence personal bias?
  • What mechanisms sustain lasting empathy?
A Different Perspective

Power can also corrupt and oppress.

2.3 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Lewis Nkosi

Explore all 5 Lewis Nkosi quotes

More Achieve quotes

Browse all 6,390 Achieve quotes