Derrick Bell Quotes

12 Sourced Quotes

Slavery is, as an example of what white America has done, a constant reminder of what white America might do.

Derrick Bell
We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.

Derrick Bell
Education leads to enlightenment. Enlightenment opens the way to empathy. Empathy foreshadows reform.

Derrick Bell
Courage is a decision you make to act in a way that works through your own fear for the greater good as opposed to pure self-interest. Courage means putting at risk your immediate self-interest for what you believe is right.

Derrick Bell
All ethical people strive to choose "right" over "easy" when confronted by situations that force them to choose one or the other.

Derrick Bell
The challenge throughout has been to tell what I view as the truth about racism without causing disabling despair.

Derrick Bell
However self-sufficient we may fancy ourselves, we exist only in relation — to our friend, family, and life partners; to those we teach and mentor; to our co-workers, neighbors, strangers; and even to forces we cannot fully conceive of, let alone define. In many ways, we are our relationships.

Derrick Bell
Power in the hands of the reformer is no less potentially corrupting than in the hands of the oppressor.

Derrick Bell
Resistance is a powerful motivator precisely because it enables us to fulfill our longing to achieve our goals while letting us boldly recognize and name the obstacles to those achievements.

Derrick Bell
A rule without exceptions is an instrument capable of doing mischief to the innocent and bringing grief - as well as injustice - to those who should gain exemptions from the rule's functioning.

Derrick Bell
Few whites are ready to actively promote civil rights for blacks.

Derrick Bell
Self-esteem is like a difficult-to-cultivate flower. It requires frequent nurturing that occurs when you keep your word and follow through on your promises.

Derrick Bell