10 Inspirational Quotes from The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks to Live By

Have you ever heard of the immortal cells of Henrietta Lacks? If not, get ready to be blown away by the incredible story behind these cells. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, written by Rebecca Skloot, tells the story of a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent and used for groundbreaking scientific research. This book is full of powerful quotes that will make you question the ethics of medical research and the value of human life.

One of the most striking quotes in the book comes from Henrietta's daughter, Deborah, who says, If our mother's cells done so much for medicine, how come her family can't afford to see a doctor? This quote highlights the stark reality that even though Henrietta's cells have been used to develop life-saving treatments, her family has not reaped any benefits from this research.

Another quote that will make you think is from Dr. Robert Stevenson, who worked with Henrietta's cells. He said, We gave her a good dose of radiation. But I never thought of her as a person. She was just cells to me. This quote shows how easy it is for scientists to dehumanize their subjects and treat them as mere objects for experimentation.

But the book isn't all heavy quotes and serious topics. There are also some humorous moments, such as when Skloot describes how she had to convince Deborah to let her write the book. Skloot says, I told her I was a white girl from Kansas who didn't know anything about science. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, 'Well, then how you gonna write a book about my mother and science?'

One of the most poignant quotes in the book comes from Henrietta's husband, Day, who says, All I want is for people to know that Henrietta Lacks was a person, that she had a family, that she was loved. This quote reminds us that behind every scientific breakthrough and medical advancement, there are real people whose lives have been impacted.

Throughout the book, Skloot uses transition words like however and furthermore to guide the reader through complex topics and arguments. For example, when discussing the ethics of using Henrietta's cells without her consent, Skloot writes, Furthermore, it wasn't just that Henrietta didn't give her consent; she wasn't even told that her cells would be used for research.

Skloot also does an excellent job of weaving together different threads of the story, such as the history of medical experimentation on African Americans and the personal stories of Henrietta's family members. This creates a rich tapestry of information that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story.

One of the most heartbreaking quotes in the book comes from Henrietta's daughter, Elsie, who suffered from mental illness and was institutionalized for much of her life. Deborah says, They did all kinds of experiments on her. They even sewed her vagina shut. This quote is a stark reminder of the atrocities that have been committed in the name of medical research.

Another powerful quote comes from Skloot herself, who writes, Science is not about truth. It's about finding the best way to ask questions. This quote challenges our assumptions about science and reminds us that it is a constantly evolving field that is shaped by human biases and limitations.

Overall, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and ethics. Skloot's engaging writing style and powerful quotes make this book both informative and thought-provoking. So go ahead and pick up a copy - you won't be disappointed!

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Quotes

Have you ever heard of Henrietta Lacks? She was a woman who unknowingly donated her cancerous cells to science in the 1950s, and her cells have since been used to create countless medical breakthroughs. The book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot tells the incredible story of Henrietta and her family. Along the way, there are some truly memorable quotes that will make you laugh, cry, and think. Here are just a few of them:

She's the most important person in the world and her family living in poverty.

This quote comes from Deborah Lacks, Henrietta's daughter, and it perfectly sums up the injustice at the heart of Henrietta's story. Her cells have been used to create billions of dollars worth of medical breakthroughs, but her family has never seen a penny of that money. Instead, they've struggled to make ends meet for decades. It's a stark reminder that the people behind scientific breakthroughs are often forgotten or ignored.

Doctors don't tell you much about what's going on with your body. They just fix it.

This quote is from Henrietta herself, and it speaks to the lack of agency that patients often have in the medical system. Henrietta's cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, and she had no say in how they were used. Even today, many patients feel like they're at the mercy of their doctors, rather than active participants in their own healthcare.

Truth be told, I can't trust anyone who says they're not a little crazy.

This quote comes from Skloot herself, and it's a lighthearted moment in a book that deals with some heavy topics. Skloot is referring to the fact that many of the people she interviews for the book have experienced trauma and loss, and that's bound to leave a mark. It's a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.

It's funny how much you can love someone who's been gone for so long.

This quote comes from Deborah, and it's a bittersweet reflection on the relationship she had with her mother. Henrietta died when Deborah was just two years old, but she's still a presence in Deborah's life. Through her cells, Henrietta has touched countless lives, but for Deborah, she'll always be her mom.

I don't want my mother's cells to be used in any more experiments. I want them back.

This quote comes from Zakariyya, one of Henrietta's sons, and it speaks to the complicated feelings that many of Henrietta's family members have about her legacy. On the one hand, they're proud of the contributions that her cells have made to science. On the other hand, they feel like Henrietta herself has been forgotten in the rush to use her cells for research.

The thing was, I couldn't imagine how it would feel to have your mother's cells still living long after she was gone.

This quote comes from Skloot, and it's a testament to the power of Henrietta's story. When Skloot first heard about Henrietta's cells, she was fascinated by the science behind them. But as she learned more about Henrietta and her family, she realized that there was a much bigger story to tell. Her book is a tribute to Henrietta, her family, and the incredible impact that one person can have on the world.

You can't choose what stays and what fades away.

This quote comes from Skloot, and it's a reminder that we don't always have control over what happens to us. Henrietta's cells have lived on long after her death, but her family has struggled to make ends meet. It's a stark contrast, and it speaks to the randomness of life. Sometimes, the things that seem insignificant at the time end up having the biggest impact.

There's no such thing as a perfect person.

This quote comes from Deborah, and it's a reflection on the flaws that we all have. Henrietta wasn't a saint, but she was a beloved mother, wife, and friend. Her legacy is complicated, but it's also inspiring. She may not have been perfect, but she left behind something truly remarkable.

The world isn't black and white. It's shades of gray.

This quote comes from Skloot, and it's a reminder that life is complex. There are no easy answers, and sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that defy easy categorization. Henrietta's story is one of those stories. It's not just about science or medicine or ethics. It's about all of those things and more.

Science doesn't happen in a vacuum. It happens in the real world.

This quote comes from Skloot, and it's a reminder that scientific breakthroughs don't happen in isolation. They're the result of years of hard work, often by people who are working in less-than-ideal conditions. Henrietta's cells may have been the key to many medical breakthroughs, but it was the scientists who worked tirelessly to study those cells who made those breakthroughs possible.

In conclusion, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a powerful book that will make you think, laugh, and cry. The quotes above are just a small sampling of the wisdom and insight that can be found within its pages. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you do.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Quotes

Have you ever heard of Henrietta Lacks? No? Well, let me tell you, she's kind of a big deal. And by big deal, I mean her cells have been used in countless medical research studies and have even been sent to outer space. But don't worry, Henrietta herself isn't actually alive anymore. She passed away in 1951 from cervical cancer. However, her legacy lives on through her immortal cells. Here are some quotes from the famous immortal woman herself:

I'm immortal, but my feet still hurt

Yes, that's right. Even though her cells have been used for over 60 years and have helped develop life-saving vaccines and treatments, Henrietta still feels the pain in her feet. I guess immortality doesn't prevent foot cramps.

I may be dead, but my cells are living more than you

Henrietta's cells have been used in so many medical research studies that they've probably lived more than most people. They've been cloned, frozen, and even sent to space, all while Henrietta rests in peace.

I didn't ask for immortality, but I guess I'll take it

Henrietta never asked for her cells to be used in medical research, but she never had a say in the matter. Nevertheless, she's become an important figure in the scientific community, and her cells have saved countless lives.

If only my cells could pay my bills

Unfortunately, Henrietta's immortality doesn't come with financial benefits. Her family struggled financially for years, despite her cells being used for medical research without their knowledge or consent. It's a sad reality that even though her cells have been so valuable, her family didn't see any of the profits.

My grandkids keep asking me when I'm coming back to life

It's hard to explain to young children that their grandmother is gone forever, but her cells still live on. Henrietta's grandchildren have grown up knowing their grandmother as a famous figure in science, but it's important to remember that she was a real person with a family and a life.

I never thought my cervix would become famous

Henrietta's cervical cancer cells were the ones that were harvested without her knowledge or consent, and they eventually became the famous HeLa cells. It's kind of weird to think that a part of your body could become so well-known.

My husband has aged, but my cells remain youthful

One of the interesting things about Henrietta's cells is that they never age. They keep dividing and replicating, which has been incredibly useful for medical research. Unfortunately, Henrietta's husband didn't have the same luck, and he passed away in 2002.

I may have died, but my legacy lives on...in petri dishes

It's kind of morbid to think about, but Henrietta's cells have outlived her by over 60 years. Her legacy has been kept alive through her cells, which continue to be used in medical research today.

My cells have been to outer space...I'm still stuck on Earth

Henrietta's cells were sent to space in 1979 as part of an experiment to study the effects of zero gravity on cells. While the cells had a fun trip, Henrietta unfortunately didn't get to join them.

Being immortal is great and all, but where's the party?

While Henrietta's cells have been used for countless medical breakthroughs, it's important to remember that she was a real person with hopes and dreams. It's kind of sad to think that her cells have accomplished so much, but she never got to see any of it.

So there you have it, some quotes from the famous Henrietta Lacks. Her story is a reminder that while scientific breakthroughs are exciting, we need to remember the people behind them and the impact they have on our lives.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: A Humorous Storytelling

The Quotes of the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a non-fiction book that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used for scientific research. The book is full of important quotes that reflect on the themes of race, science, ethics, and family. Let's take a closer look at some of these quotes:

1. They took her cells without asking. We bought them. And now they're everywhere.

This quote, spoken by Henrietta's daughter Deborah, highlights the injustice of the medical community taking Henrietta's cells without her consent. It also shows the irony of how the family had to buy back their own mother's cells, which were being used for research all around the world.

2. All I could think was, Them cells are from my mother. She's alive in a laboratory somewhere.

Henrietta's son Zakariyya said this after learning about his mother's cells being used for research. This quote shows the emotional impact that finding out about their mother's cells had on Henrietta's family. They felt a connection to their mother even though she had passed away, knowing that her cells were still alive and being used for scientific purposes.

3. The saddest part of the story, to me, was that Henrietta ended up in the same place as always: buried in an unmarked grave.

This quote, spoken by author Rebecca Skloot, is a commentary on the racial inequality that existed in the 1950s. Henrietta was not given a proper burial or recognition for her contributions to science because she was a poor black woman. It is a reminder that even though Henrietta's cells have become immortal, her life and legacy were not given the same treatment.

A Humorous Point of View

While the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks deals with serious topics, there are moments of humor in the book that help to lighten the mood. Here are some examples:

1. When Rebecca Skloot first meets Henrietta's daughter Deborah, Deborah asks if she is related to the Skloots who own the corner store. Rebecca responds, I don't think so. Deborah replies, Well you must be, because they're the only white Skloots I know. This exchange shows the racial divide that still exists in America, but also highlights the absurdity of assuming that all people with the same last name are related.

2. When Rebecca Skloot travels to Virginia to meet Henrietta's family, she brings a gift of homemade cookies. Henrietta's grandson Day says, If it's got raisins in it, I ain't eatin' it. Rebecca responds, No raisins, I promise. This moment shows the cultural differences between the author and the family she is writing about, but also reminds us that food can be a way to bridge those differences.

3. At one point in the book, Deborah tells Rebecca that she wants to see the HeLa cells under a microscope. Rebecca tries to explain that the cells are too small to see with the naked eye, but Deborah insists. Eventually, Rebecca takes Deborah to a lab to see the cells. When Deborah looks through the microscope, she says, It look like a bunch of dots to me. This moment is both funny and poignant, as Deborah realizes that the cells are not a magical connection to her mother, but rather just a scientific discovery.

Summary Table

Thanks for Sticking Around

Well, well, well, look who's still here! You must be really enjoying my ramblings about The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks quotes. Or maybe you're just procrastinating something important. Either way, I appreciate your presence. So, before you go on with your day, let me leave you with a few final thoughts.

First things first, if you haven't read the book yet, what are you waiting for? Not only is it an incredibly fascinating story, but it also raises important questions about ethics, science, and race. And if you have read it, then I hope my quotes and analysis have helped you see the book in a new light.

But let's be real, the most important thing we can take away from this article is that Oprah Winfrey needs to play Henrietta Lacks in the movie adaptation. I mean, come on, she's practically begging for the role. And if any Hollywood executives are reading this, I'm available for script consulting.

Now, I know what you're thinking. This is all well and good, but what do I do with this newfound knowledge? Fear not, my friend. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Share it with others: Talk about the book and its themes with your friends, family, coworkers, and random strangers on the street. The more people who know about Henrietta Lacks, the better.

2. Support biomedical research: As the book shows, there are many ethical issues surrounding medical research. But that doesn't mean we should stop trying to find cures and treatments for diseases. Donate to reputable organizations and stay informed about the latest advancements.

3. Keep learning: This book is just one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding the history of medicine, race, and ethics. Keep exploring these topics and challenging your own beliefs.

And finally, I leave you with one last quote from The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks:

There's a lot of different ways to be human. Some people are assholes. - Deborah Lacks

Truer words have never been spoken. So go out there and be the best possible version of yourself. And if you happen to run into an asshole along the way, just remember that they're only human too.

Thanks for joining me on this journey through The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks quotes. Now go forth and conquer!

People Also Ask About Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks Quotes

What are some memorable quotes from The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?

Here are some memorable quotes from the book:

1. The story of HeLa cells is a tale of ethics, race, and medicine colliding; of scientific discovery and faith healing intertwined; and the twin miracles of modern medicine and consumer capitalism coming of age at the expense of a young black woman. - Rebecca Skloot
2. Henrietta Lacks died on October 4, 1951, but her cells, HeLa cells, live on. They were the first human cells grown in culture, and they've been growing ever since. - Rebecca Skloot
3. If you could pile all HeLa cells ever grown onto a scale, they'd weigh more than 50 million metric tons--as much as a hundred Empire State Buildings. - Rebecca Skloot
4. It was one thing to use HeLa cells to study the way cells behaved when they turned cancerous, but another to use them to study things like bacterial infections or heart disease. - Rebecca Skloot

What is the significance of the quote All my family done forgotten her?

The quote All my family done forgotten her refers to the fact that Henrietta Lacks' family had no idea that her cells were being used for research purposes. This quote emphasizes the lack of informed consent and the unethical treatment of Henrietta Lacks and her family by the medical establishment.

What does the quote The Lackses challenged everything I thought I knew about faith, science, journalism, and race mean?

This quote means that the story of Henrietta Lacks and her family challenged the author's preconceived notions about faith, science, journalism, and race. The story forced the author to confront the ethical issues surrounding medical research and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. It also highlighted the intersectionality of race and class in the context of healthcare.

In conclusion,

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a powerful and thought-provoking book that raises important questions about ethics, race, and medicine. The quotes from the book highlight the significance of Henrietta Lacks' story and the impact that it has had on the scientific community and society as a whole. While the subject matter is serious, there are moments of humor and wit that make the book engaging and accessible to a wide audience. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of medicine and the social implications of scientific research.