Meaning: This quote, "Gods always love the people who make 'em," is attributed to Zora Neale Hurston, an influential African American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist. The quote is a powerful and thought-provoking statement that reflects Hurston's deep understanding of the human experience, spirituality, and the creative process.

Zora Neale Hurston was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s, primarily centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Hurston's work focused on the experiences of African Americans, particularly those in the American South, and she is best known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," which is considered a classic of African American literature.

The quote "Gods always love the people who make 'em" can be interpreted in various ways, reflecting Hurston's complex and multi-layered understanding of spirituality and creativity. On one level, the quote can be seen as a reflection of the human capacity for creativity and invention. It suggests that those who have the ability to create, whether through art, literature, or other forms of expression, are in some way beloved by the forces of creation or the divine. This idea aligns with Hurston's deep interest in African American folklore and mythology, where the act of creation is often depicted as a sacred and revered process.

Furthermore, the quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the power dynamics between humans and the divine. In many religious and spiritual traditions, gods or deities are often depicted as creators and sources of love and guidance. Hurston's quote challenges this dynamic by suggesting that the act of creation itself is what earns the love and favor of the divine, rather than mere obedience or worship. This interpretation aligns with Hurston's exploration of spirituality and religious practices within African American communities, where the concept of the divine is often intertwined with everyday life and the creative expressions of the people.

From a broader perspective, the quote can also be understood as a celebration of human agency and the ability to shape one's own destiny. By emphasizing the role of creators in earning the love of the gods, Hurston highlights the importance of individual creativity and innovation. This idea resonates with her broader body of work, which often focused on the lives and experiences of individuals who sought to carve out their own paths and assert their identities in the face of social, cultural, and historical challenges.

In summary, Zora Neale Hurston's quote "Gods always love the people who make 'em" encapsulates her deep insights into spirituality, creativity, and the human experience. Through this quote, she invites us to contemplate the connections between human creativity, divine love, and the inherent capacity for individuals to shape their own destinies. It is a testament to Hurston's enduring impact as a writer and thinker, and a reminder of the profound wisdom contained within her body of work.