Bigot Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes
“The bigot is like the pupil of the eye, the more light you put upon it, the more it will contract.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the American Bar Association, 1905
Prejudice shrinks when illuminated, yet often reacts by tightening its grip
In simple terms: Light can expose bigotry, which may cause it to retract
Confront prejudice with truth and compassion
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom discussions
- policy debates
- personal interactions
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we keep the light on without causing backlash?
- What supportive actions accompany enlightenment?
Illumination alone may not change deep-seated bias