This quote compares prejudice to a vagrant, or a person without a home or regular work, who survives without any visible means of support. In the same way, prejudice is an opinion or perspective that exists without any solid or substantial evidence to support it. It’s a belief held despite a lack of proof or justification. It survives and persists, even though it may not have a logical or rational basis.
The quote suggests that prejudice is not only unsupported, but it’s also wandering and aimless. Like a vagrant who moves from place to place without a clear direction, prejudice is not grounded in facts or reality. It’s an opinion that’s not rooted in understanding or knowledge, but in ignorance and bias.
This idea is highly relevant in today’s world, where prejudices often shape people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. We see this in the form of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. These prejudices exist without any factual support, yet they persist and influence our society in profound ways.
In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder to question our own biases and prejudices. It encourages us to examine the beliefs we hold and to ensure that they are based on facts and evidence, rather than unfounded assumptions or stereotypes. By doing so, we can strive to become more open-minded and less judgmental, fostering greater understanding and empathy towards others.