Meaning: The quote "They are damn good projects - excellent projects. That goes for all the projects up there. You know some people make fun of people who speak a foreign language, and dumb people criticize something they do not understand, and that is what is going on up there - God damn it!" by Harry Hopkins, a diplomat, reflects the frustration and passion of someone defending the value of certain projects or initiatives. This quote can be interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it speaks to the tendency of some individuals to dismiss or belittle things they do not comprehend or appreciate.

Harry Hopkins was an influential figure in American politics, serving as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's closest advisors during the New Deal era. As the head of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Hopkins oversaw numerous projects aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the economy during the Great Depression. It's likely that the quote in question was made in the context of defending these projects against criticism and skepticism.

When Hopkins refers to "damn good projects - excellent projects," he is expressing a strong belief in the value and quality of the initiatives he is championing. This assertion is then followed by a lament about the tendency of some people to ridicule or criticize things they do not understand. The reference to "people who speak a foreign language" and "dumb people" suggests a broader critique of ignorance and prejudice, implying that those who mock or reject unfamiliar or complex ideas are acting out of narrow-mindedness and lack of understanding.

The frustration and urgency in Hopkins' words convey a sense of exasperation with the detractors of these projects. His use of strong language, including "damn" and "God damn it," underscores the intensity of his feelings and the seriousness with which he views the situation. This language serves to emphasize the significance and impact of the projects being disparaged and the urgency of defending them.

In a broader sense, the quote can be seen as a call to recognize and appreciate the value of initiatives that may be misunderstood or underappreciated. It urges people to approach unfamiliar ideas with an open mind and to refrain from dismissing them simply because they do not align with preconceived notions or expectations. Hopkins' impassioned defense of these projects serves as a reminder of the importance of looking beyond surface judgments and seeking to understand the full context and potential impact of initiatives before passing judgment.

In conclusion, Harry Hopkins' quote reflects a passionate defense of valuable projects and a frustration with the tendency of some individuals to dismiss or belittle things they do not understand. It serves as a reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and the dangers of prejudice and ignorance. The quote captures the urgency and emotion of someone fighting to defend the worth and significance of initiatives that may be overlooked or misunderstood.