Every generation must find its mission and fulfill it, as Fanon said – or betray it. So it is not something that you can write up on the wall, saying this is what has to be done. Every generation has to discover what it needs to do.
CHINUA ACHEBEIf a child washed his hands, he could eat with kings.
More Chinua Achebe Quotes
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When brothers fight to death a stranger inherit their father’s estate.
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Among the Igbo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.
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We cannot trample upon the humanity of others without devaluing our own. The Igbo, always practical, put it concretely in their proverb Onye ji onye n’ani ji onwe ya: ‘He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud to keep him down.’
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While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.
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If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own. If you don’t like what somebody says, say what it is you don’t like.
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Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too – If one says no to the other, let his wing break.
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Every generation must recognize and embrace the task it is peculiarly designed by history and by providence to perform.
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Wisdom is like a goatskin bag; every man carries his own.
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The man that brings ant-infested faggots into his hut should not grumble when lizards begin to pay him a visit.
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When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.
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An artist in my view is always afraid of extremists; he is always afraid of those who claim to have found the ultimate solution to any question.
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Become familiar with your home, but know also about your neighbors. The young man who never went anywhere thinks his mother is the greatest cook.
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A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness
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If you have leaders who are prepared to incite group against group it is very easy to manufacture reasons and excuses.
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In dealing with a man who thinks you are a fool, it is good sometimes to remind him that you know what he knows but have chosen to appear foolish for the sake of peace.
CHINUA ACHEBE