Barbara Quote by Sam Hamill
“I can remember, I think it was 1967, sitting in the First Unitarian Church in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, and seeing Phil Levine come out on the little stage. He sat on the edge and said, "You know, sometimes it's hard not to hate my country for the way I feel, at times, but I won't let that happen." And then he read, "They Feed They Lion," this incredibly powerful, incantatory poem that was inspired in part by the burning of Detroit in 1967 and the riots that followed.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Phil Levine at First Unitarian Church, Isla Vista, 1967
Levine acknowledges the temptation to hate his country due to personal anguish but chooses to resist that feeling, urging perseverance amid social unrest.
In simple terms: He chooses not to hate despite feeling angry about his country.
Key Takeaway
Resist hatred, stay hopeful during turmoil.
Themes
politics
resilience
social justice
poetry
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
inspirational
political
When to use this quote
- protests
- community gatherings
- reading sessions
Key Concepts
activism
empathy
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal practices help maintain compassion during injustice?
- How can art inspire resistance without succumbing to hatred?
A Different Perspective
The resolve may be idealistic amid systemic oppression.
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