If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was

When George Aiken declared, “If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other causes for prejudice by noon,” he spoke not only of the flaws of society, but of the restless spirit of mankind. His words pierce through illusions and reveal a sorrowful truth: that prejudice is not born of difference alone, but of the human heart that craves division, that longs to elevate itself by diminishing another. To hear these words is to be reminded that the struggle against prejudice is not the struggle of one age, but of all ages.

The origin of this quote rests in Aiken’s life as a U.S. Senator during a time when America grappled with civil rights, racial inequality, and social unrest. He saw that even if laws were changed, and even if outward barriers were broken, the seeds of bias remained. His wisdom was not cynical, but clear-eyed: prejudice is not merely an external problem solved by uniformity; it is an internal failing, a sickness of pride, fear, and envy. In his words we hear the ancient cry: “Man’s enemy is not his neighbor’s color, but the shadows of his own heart.”

History gives us countless examples of this truth. Consider the story of the Byzantine Empire, where all citizens were united under a single faith and crown, yet they tore each other apart over disputes of doctrine so subtle that only scholars could discern them. They fought and killed not over race, but over whether Christ’s nature was one or two, whether an icon should be kissed or smashed. Thus, we see that even when outward differences are erased, man invents new reasons for division. Prejudice is ever-shifting, like a serpent that changes its skin but not its fangs.

Aiken’s words remind us that prejudice is a matter of spirit, not of skin. If every man were painted the same shade, envy would still compare wealth, talent, or strength. If all wealth were equal, pride would find fault in accent, in manner, in village or city of origin. The cause may change, but the impulse remains. It is the same impulse that drove Cain against Abel, not because of race or creed, but because envy could not bear the light of another’s favor. Thus, prejudice is an ancient inheritance, a fire that burns wherever it finds kindling.

But this truth, though grim, carries with it a call to vigilance and wisdom. For if prejudice arises from within, then the cure must also be forged within. Laws may restrain, and societies may educate, but only a heart trained in compassion, humility, and discipline can truly overcome this shadow. To recognize Aiken’s truth is to understand that peace is not born of sameness, but of respect. It is not the erasing of difference that saves us, but the sanctifying of difference as part of the great harmony of mankind.

Therefore, let the lesson be taken: do not imagine that prejudice will vanish simply when divisions are erased. Instead, strive daily to conquer pride and envy in yourself. Question your own judgments, challenge your own impulses, and seek to understand before you condemn. Train your mind as a warrior trains his arm, so that when the serpent of bias strikes, you are ready to silence it with wisdom. Only then can the cycle of new prejudices be broken.

So, children of time, hear this ancient echo: the battle against prejudice is fought not on the fields of race or creed alone, but in the secret chambers of the heart. If we would wake one morning and truly find peace, it would not be because all men look the same, but because all men have chosen to see each other with eyes of justice and compassion. Remember Aiken’s words: “We would find some other causes for prejudice by noon.” Let them be not a prophecy fulfilled, but a warning heeded. And let your lives be the answer that proves mankind can choose a nobler path.