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There can be no racial animosity, because there are no races. The theorist and feeble thinkers string together and warm over the bookshelf races which the well-disposed observer and the fair-minded traveller vainly seek in the justice of Nature where man's universal identity springs forth from triumphant love and the turbulent huger for life. The soul, equal and eternal, emanates from bodies of different shapes and colors. Whoever foments and spreads antagonism and hate between the races, sins against humanity.

Jose Marti#42

UnityHumanityRaceRacismEquality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Race is not real; unity and shared humanity are. Hatred between races harms humanity.
In plain terms
There are no races, only people.
What can you take from it?
Racism hurts everyone.

Where it applies

  • social justice
  • racial conflict
  • policy

Putting it to work

  • reject racism
  • promote unity
  • educate others

Questions to consider

  • How do we define race?
  • Why do people cling to racial divisions?

Another view

Biological differences exist even if race is a social construct.

More from Jose Marti

  1. One must have faith in the best in men and distrust the worst. One must allow the best to be shown so that it reveals and prevails over the worst. Nations shou…

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  2. Yo soy un hombre sincero De donde crece la palma Y antes de morirme quiero Echar mis versos del alma.

    Permalink to quote #43
  3. Politics and strategy are one. Nations should live in an atmosphere of self-criticism because it is healthy, but always with one heart and one mind. Stoop to t…

    Permalink to quote #40

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