Who said “A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him, and a child cannot afford to be…”?

Verified

James Baldwin. A published source records them saying or writing it.

Source"If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?" in "The New York Times (July 29, 1979)

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Authors A–Z
“A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him, and a child cannot afford to be fooled.”
— James Baldwin
Verified"If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?" in "The New York Times (July 29, 1979) · evidenceEducation

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?" in "The New York Times (July 29, 1979).

APA

Baldwin, J. (n.d.). A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him, and a child cannot afford to be fooled. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14182-a-child-cannot-be-taught-by-anyone-who/

MLA

Baldwin, James. “A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him, and a child cannot afford to be fooled.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14182-a-child-cannot-be-taught-by-anyone-who/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Baldwin, James. “A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him, and a child cannot afford to be fooled.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14182-a-child-cannot-be-taught-by-anyone-who/.

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