"When I am in the city I have the impression that I am in a living room with crystal chandeliers, rugs of velvet, and satin cushions. And when I'm in the favela I have the impression that I'm a useless object, destined to be forever in a garbage dump."
About Carolina Maria de Jesus
Carolina Maria de Jesus — Life and Legacy
Carolina Maria de Jesus was a Brazilian writer and social activist whose life and work shed light on the struggles of the impoverished. Her most notable work, 'Quarto de Despejo' (Child of the Dark), is a diary that chronicles her experiences living in a São Paulo favela, revealing the harsh realities of poverty and the resilience of the human spirit. Through her writing, she articulated the pain and hope of marginalized communities, stating, 'I write to record my pain,' which underscores her mission to document her life and the lives of those around her. Her quotes often reflect a deep understanding of social injustice and personal struggle. For instance, she expressed, 'I am a poor woman, but I have a rich heart,' illustrating her belief that emotional wealth can exist even in the absence of material resources. This perspective challenges conventional notions of success and highlights the dignity found in resilience. Carolina's work remains relevant today as it resonates with ongoing discussions about poverty, inequality, and the power of voice in marginalized communities. Her insights continue to inspire those who seek to understand the complexities of human experience and the strength required to confront societal challenges.
Quote collection
Carolina Maria de Jesus quotes
12 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I adore my black skin and my kinky hair. The Negro hair is more educated than the white man's hair. Because with Negro hair, where you put it, it stays. It's obedient. The hair of the white, just give one quick movement, and it's out of place. It won't obey. If reincarnation exists I want to come back black."
"I classify Sao Paolo this way: The Governor's Palace is the living room. The mayor's office is the dining room and the city is the garden. And the favela is the back yard where they throw the garbage."
"The book is man's best invention so far."
"Who has gone hungry learns to think of the future and of the children."
"A child is the root of the heart."
"we are slaves to the cost of living."
"Life is just like a book. Only after you've read it do you know how it ends. It is when we are at the end of life that we know how our life ran. Mine, until now, has been black. As black as my skin. Black as the garbage dump where I live."
"[On Brazil:] In our country everything is weakening. The money is weak. Democracy is weak and the politicians are very weak. Everything that is weak dies one day."
"We have only one way to be born and many ways to die."
"will there ever be a drama more beautiful than that of eating?"
"a poet will even face death when he sees his people oppressed."