There are so few well-educated men, we're all but obligated to serve the public. The world is nearly overrun by idiots these days. There are more white niggers in this world than one can know what to do with."
-- John Henry ("The Strange Family of Things" )

Importance: This quote is from one of John Henry's many different lectures to his young son, Henry. As is the case with all of John Henry's statements, it is clear that he values both himself and the contributions that he is able to make to the world. However, as is also the case with John Henry, he is ultimately misguided about what it is he is accomplishing. While John Henry's racism is evident from this quote, what is also ironic about the quote is that no generation of the Forges can be said to have helped "the public."

Let me tell you what a grown man, a man of discernment, sees. What...
-- John Henry ("The Strange Family of Things" )