My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy" encapsulates a profound insight into how we should approach different forms of knowledge gaps and shortcomings in others. At its core, this statement advocates for a balanced yet empathetic approach to dealing with people's intellectual deficiencies.
Firstly, let's explore the idea of being "intolerant of ignorance." Ignorance here refers not to willful disregard of knowledge but rather to a lack of awareness or understanding due to limited exposure or education. To be intolerant of ignorance means refusing to accept or condone the perpetuation of misunderstandings or uninformed beliefs. It encourages challenging ignorance through education, dialogue, and the sharing of accurate information. This part of the quote emphasizes the importance of combating misinformation and promoting intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
On the other hand, the quote also advises being "understanding of illiteracy." Illiteracy denotes the inability to read or write, often due to lack of access to education or other societal barriers. Being understanding of illiteracy does not imply acceptance of it as a permanent condition but rather recognizing the socio-economic factors that contribute to it. It encourages compassion and support for individuals who face literacy challenges, promoting efforts to improve access to education and literacy programs. This aspect of the quote highlights the need for empathy and practical support in addressing systemic issues that contribute to illiteracy.
Together, these two directives create a balanced approach to knowledge and education. They call for a firm stance against ignorance by actively challenging misconceptions and promoting knowledge acquisition. Simultaneously, they advocate for empathy and support towards those who lack foundational skills like literacy, recognizing that everyone deserves opportunities to learn and grow.
The quote also reflects a deeper understanding of human potential and the impact of circumstances on individual knowledge. It acknowledges that while ignorance can be addressed through education and awareness, illiteracy often requires broader societal changes and support systems to overcome. By advocating for intolerance of ignorance and understanding of illiteracy, the quote encourages a proactive and compassionate approach to fostering learning and combating intellectual barriers.
In essence, this quote from an unnamed source encourages us to engage critically with knowledge gaps while maintaining empathy towards those who face educational disadvantages. It serves as a reminder of the dual responsibilities we have: to challenge ignorance through education and to support those who are marginalized by illiteracy with understanding and opportunities for growth. This balanced perspective not only enriches our interactions with others but also contributes to a more equitable and informed society.
Who said the quote?
The quote "My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy." is often attributed to Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that embodies the message of the quote, "My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy," is the life and work of Frederick Douglass, an escaped enslaved person who became a prominent abolitionist and intellectual.
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in the early 19th century, a time when educational opportunities for enslaved people were virtually non-existent. Despite the harsh realities of slavery and the intentional suppression of literacy among enslaved populations, Douglass was determined to educate himself. He learned to read and write through a combination of perseverance and ingenuity, often in defiance of laws designed to prevent enslaved people from learning. His personal journey from illiteracy to becoming a powerful orator and writer exemplifies understanding and overcoming illiteracy.
Douglass was intensely critical of ignorance, particularly ignorance that perpetuated racial injustice and the institution of slavery. He did not tolerate the ignorance that underpinned the systemic dehumanization of enslaved people. For him, ignorance was something to be actively challenged and eradicated, while illiteracy was a barrier that could be overcome with support, education, and perseverance.
His efforts to educate others, his passionate speeches, and his writings served as powerful tools against ignorance. Douglass’s life reflects a deep understanding of the difference between ignorance—a willful lack of knowledge that sustains oppression—and illiteracy—a lack of education that can be remedied with effort and support. Through his actions and advocacy, Douglass highlighted how society must be relentless in combating ignorance while showing compassion and providing opportunities for overcoming illiteracy.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote can be applied in contemporary life by guiding how we approach both personal growth and social issues. Here’s how this principle might play out in a real-world scenario:
Imagine you are a manager at a company where some employees lack technical skills but have a strong desire to learn. If one of these employees makes an error due to a lack of technical knowledge, the quote suggests that your response should be guided by understanding and support rather than judgment. Recognize that their illiteracy in the technical area is a challenge that can be addressed through training and mentorship. Provide resources, training sessions, and encouragement to help them develop the necessary skills.
However, if you encounter employees who are deliberately resistant to learning or who undermine the growth of others by spreading misinformation or showing a lack of interest in improvement, the quote advises a different approach. This type of ignorance—where individuals refuse to engage with new information or dismiss facts without consideration—should be addressed more firmly. Ignorance in this sense is not about a lack of knowledge but a willful rejection of it. In this case, it’s important to foster an environment where learning and growth are prioritized and where ignorance is challenged through open dialogue and education.
By applying this approach, you balance empathy with accountability. You support those who are eager to learn and improve while also holding accountable those who resist constructive growth and perpetuate misinformation. This dual approach helps in building a more knowledgeable and supportive environment while actively combating the barriers that ignorance creates.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
