"I believe in the brotherhood of all men, but I don't believe in wasting brotherhood on anyone who doesn't want to practice it with me. Brotherhood is a two-way street"

Malcolm X's quote speaks with the value of shared regard and understanding in between individuals. He believes that all individuals ought to be treated with brotherhood, but that this ought to not be extended to those who do not reciprocate it. He highlights that brotherhood is a two-way street, which it must not be taken for given. This quote talks to the idea that relationships must be based upon shared respect and understanding, which it is not enough to merely expect it from others. It is very important to provide as much as one gets in order to promote a strong and meaningful relationship. Malcolm X's quote is a suggestion that we should make every effort to deal with others with generosity and respect, which we must not take our relationships for granted.