I feel myself the inheritor of a great background of people. Just who, precisely, they were, I have never known. I might be part Negro, might be part Jew, part Muslim, part Irish. So I can't afford to be supercilious about any group of people because I may be that people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author feels connected to a diverse ancestry he cannot fully trace, leading him to avoid looking down on any group of people.
- In plain terms
- Since he might belong to any group, he treats all people with respect.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize your own potential connection to all groups to avoid arrogance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does heritage shape perspective?
- Who are your ancestors?
Another view
Assuming shared ancestry might not address specific historical grievances.
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