"At the bottom of education, at the bottom of politics, even at the bottom of religion, there must be for our race economic independence"

In this quote, Booker T. Washington emphasizes the importance of economic self-reliance for the progress of society. He suggests that education, politics, and religion, which are typically seen as the pillars of an effective society, can not really grow without economic independence. This means that people and communities need to have the methods to support themselves financially, without relying on others. Washington believed that economic independence was essential for the development of his race, as it would permit them to break devoid of the cycle of poverty and injustice. He saw it as an essential action towards accomplishing equality and empowerment for African Americans.