A people do not throw their geniuses away. And if they are thrown away, it is our duty as artists and as witnesses for the future to collect them again for the sake of our children and, if necessary, bone by bone.

In this quote, Alice Walker speaks to the importance of preserving and valuing the genius of individuals within a society, particularly those who may be marginalized or forgotten. She asserts that a people should not discard their most talented or visionary individuals, as they are essential to the cultural and intellectual advancement of the community. Walker stresses that, if these geniuses are cast aside, it becomes the duty of artists and witnesses to recover and honor their contributions, ensuring they are not lost to history.

Walker’s statement also implies a sense of responsibility for future generations, urging that we must act as guardians of cultural heritage. By saying, "if necessary, bone by bone," she evokes the image of meticulously piecing together something broken or lost, which underscores the effort and dedication required to reclaim and preserve these valuable individuals and their work. This imagery highlights the deep importance of safeguarding cultural wisdom for the sake of our children and future progress.

The origin of this quote comes from Walker’s perspective as a writer, activist, and cultural critic. As a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and a leading voice in the fight for racial equality and gender justice, Walker has long championed the preservation of African American culture and the stories of those who have been historically oppressed or overlooked. Her work reflects a commitment to ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard and remembered.

Ultimately, Walker’s words call for a collective effort to acknowledge and honor the brilliance of those who may have been neglected or discarded by society. The quote serves as a reminder of the essential role that art and storytelling play in preserving history, and the responsibility of artists to ensure that the legacy of past geniuses is not lost, but instead, passed on to future generations for their benefit and understanding.