“Yeah, that’s my experience. Humbling to the point where you have major regrets about some of the stupid things you said, some of the things you thought were right. You keep going to these countries, and it’s like, you forgot the lesson from the last time. Because the first person you encounter kind of bitch-slaps you upside the head in the most wonderful, innocent way and you realize, God, I’m still an asshole. And this guy, by doing nothing except being broke and so incredibly polite—it takes you aback, you realize, I’m still not there yet. I still have like eight miles to go before I can even get into the parking lot of humility. I have to keep going back. It’s like going back to a chiropractor to get a readjustment. That’s me in Africa, that’s me in Southeast Asia. You come back humbled and you bring that into your life. It’s made me much more tolerant of other peoples—and I’m not saying I used to be a misogynist, or I used to be a racist, that was never my problem. But I can be extremely headstrong, impatient, rude. Like, “Hurry up, man. What’s your problem? Get out of my way.” That sentiment comes easy to me. Going to these countries, you realize none of that is necessary, none of it’s cool, it’s nothing Abraham Lincoln would do, and so why are you doing it? Those are the lessons I’ve learned.”

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About Henry Rollins

American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, comedian, and presenter

Henry Rollins is the professional name of Henry Lawrence Garfield, an American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, comedian, and presenter. Born in the United States, he became known in the hardcore punk scene in the 1980s, first with State of Alert and then as the frontman of Black Flag from 1981 to 1986. After Black Flag broke up, he founded 2.13.61, a record label and publishing company, to issue his spoken word albums. He later formed the Rollins Band, which toured with several lineups from 1987 to 2003 and again in 2006. His work spans music, performance, and writing.

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