Ancient Quote by W. E. B. Du Bois
“The favorite device of the devil, ancient and modern, is to force a human being into a more or less artificial class, accuse the class of unnamed and unnameable sin, and then damn any individual in the alleged class, however innocent he may be.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois, 1903
Society creates oppressive categories, labeling groups as sinful, then condemns individuals regardless of innocence.
In simple terms: Labels create unjust blame on groups.
Key Takeaway
Challenge harmful stereotypes.
Themes
oppression
identity
justice
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy advocacy
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
social labeling
systemic bias
moral condemnation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do labels affect your self‑view?
- What steps can dismantle group‑based blame?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑rooted prejudice requires sustained effort.
