Question

@Writing What does this quote mean: "A person who pulls himself up from a low environment via the bootstrap route has two choices. Having risen above his environment, he can forget it; or, he can rise above it and never forget it, and keep compassion and understanding in his heart for those he has left behind him in the cruel upclimb." by Betty Smith.

Answer 1

From my opinion (and a slight guess) I would say that this quote is talking about a persons choice when he/she gets to a "better" place, assuming that they started out in poor conditions. The second part to it would be the 2 choices the person can make.

1: Going on with life, forgetting everything they lived through and those they knew.
2: Going on with life, but remembering those who where not as fortunate to rise as the person, and in turn possibly finding a way to help those in some near future.

Basically I think the quote revolves around not forgetting yourself or who you are, even if you get somewhere better.

Answer 2

ohhh, thank you :)

Answer 3

You're welcome.