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About this quote

What does it mean?
Social separation is acceptable, but cooperation is essential for progress. Unity is needed in critical areas while allowing difference elsewhere.
In plain terms
Be separate socially but work together on important goals.
What can you take from it?
Collaborate on shared goals even if social lives differ.

Where it applies

  • interracial relations
  • business partnerships
  • civic engagement

Putting it to work

  • focus on shared goals
  • maintain social boundaries respectfully

Questions to consider

  • Where is cooperation most needed?
  • How do you balance separation and unity?

Another view

Social separation can sometimes reinforce harmful divisions over time.

More from Booker T. Washington

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  3. Nothing ever comes to me, that is worth having, except as the result of hard work.

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