You cannot plant greatness as you plant yams or maize. Who … - Chinua Achebe

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You cannot plant greatness as you plant yams or maize. Who ever planted an iroko tree — the greatest tree in the forest? You may collect all the iroko seeds in the world, open the soil and put them there. It will be in vain. The great tree chooses where to grow and we find it there, so it is with the greatness in men.

Chinua Achebe

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About Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe (November 16, 1930 – March 21, 2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic. His first novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), is the most widely read book in modern African literature.

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Also Known As

Alternative Names: Albert Chinualumogu Achebe • Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe

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Every generation must recognize and embrace the task it is peculiarly designed by history and by providence to perform.

The impatient idealist says: 'Give me a place to stand and I shall move the earth.' But such a place does not exist. We all have to stand on the earth itself and go with her at her pace.

People create stories create people; or rather stories create people create stories.

You cannot plant greatness as you plant yams or maize. Who ever planted an iroko tree — the greatest tree in the forest? You may collect all the irok… - Chinua Achebe

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