"My early childhood prepared me to be a social psychologist. I grew up in a South Bronx ghetto in a very poor family. From Sicilian origin, I was the first person in my family to complete high school, let alone go to college"
- Philip Zimbardo
About this Quote
This quote by Philip Zimbardo speaks to the power of resilience and decision. Maturing in a South Bronx ghetto in a really bad family of Sicilian origin, Zimbardo had the ability to get rid of the chances and end up being the very first individual in his household to complete high school and go to college. This experience of maturing in a disadvantaged environment most likely provided Zimbardo a distinct point of view on the social dynamics of poverty and inequality, which he was able to utilize to notify his work as a social psychologist. Zimbardo's story is an inspiring example of how one can use their tough childhood to fuel their ambition and accomplish success. It is a testament to the power of hard work and devotion, and a pointer that no matter the situations, it is possible to attain one's objectives.
"Did you know that nearly one in three children live apart from their biological dads? Those kids are two to three times more likely to grow up in poverty, to suffer in school, and to have health and behavioral problems"
"As we read the school reports on our children, we realize a sense of relief that can rise to delight that thank Heaven nobody is reporting in this fashion on us"
"Now we maintain that we cannot be afford to be concerned about 6 percent of the children in this country, black children, who you allow to come into white schools. We have 94 percent who still live in shacks. We are going to be concerned about those 94 percent"