# Credo explained — Darkwater

> Chapter companion for Darkwater by W. E. B. Du Bois.

## What happens

A poetic declaration of faith that affirms belief in a universal God, the brotherhood of all races, pride in the Negro race, the value of service, the evil of war and imperialism, the necessity of liberty and voting rights, the importance of education for all children, and the virtue of patience.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Oppression and White Supremacy

The Credo condemns the narrowing of opportunity for black people and the devilish work of those who hate the image of God in a brother's soul.

### War and Imperialism

Explicitly states 'War is Murder' and condemns the conquest of weaker nations by stronger, whiter nations.

### Democracy and the Franchise

Affirms belief in 'Liberty for all men' including 'the right to vote' and freedom from color-based curses.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The voice of the Credo, expressing personal beliefs and convictions.

## Key lines

> I believe that all men, black and brown and white, are brothers, varying through time and opportunity, in form and gift and feature, but differing in no essential particular, and alike in soul and the possibility of infinite development.

All people, regardless of race, are fundamentally equal in soul and potential, differing only in superficial traits shaped by circumstance.

_Core statement of racial equality and shared humanity._

> I believe that War is Murder. I believe that armies and navies are at bottom the tinsel and braggadocio of oppression and wrong, and I believe that the wicked conquest of weaker and darker nations by nations whiter and stronger but foreshadows the death of that strength.

War is nothing but murder, and military forces are merely the flashy tools of oppression; conquering darker nations foreshadows the conqueror's own downfall.

_Strong anti-war and anti-imperialist stance._

> I believe in the Training of Children, black even as white; the leading out of little souls into the green pastures and beside the still waters, not for pelf or peace, but for life lit by some large vision of beauty and goodness and truth.

Education for all children, regardless of race, should guide them toward a life inspired by beauty, goodness, and truth, not mere material gain.

_Emphasis on the purpose of education beyond economic utility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/credo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/darkwater_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/darkwater_se/chapters