It is dangerous to be an American Negro male. America has never wanted its Negroes to be men, and does not, generally, treat them as men. It treats them as mascots, pets, or things.
James A. BaldwinRead
There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one’s head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people’s pain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being truly despicable involves showing disdain for the suffering of others.
In this quote, James A. Baldwin highlights the various ways in which individuals can act poorly, but emphasizes that the most egregious form of contempt is to disregard or belittle the pain experienced by others. This idea suggests a moral obligation to empathize with and support those who are suffering, rather than turning a blind eye or exhibiting disdain for their struggles.
Themes
DespicablePainEmpathyIndifferenceSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about social justice and the importance of compassion.
More from James A. Baldwin
All quotes →The white man discovered the Cross by way of the Bible, but the black man discovered the Bible by way of the Cross.
James A. BaldwinRead
Those kids aren't dumb. But the people who run these schools want to make sure they don't get smart: they are really teaching the kids to be slaves.
James A. BaldwinRead
Experience, which destroys innocence, also leads one back to it.
James A. BaldwinRead
The reason people think it's important to be white is that they think it's important not to be black.
James A. BaldwinRead
The trick is to love somebody.... If you love one person, you see everybody else differently.
James A. BaldwinRead
Similar quotes
Nothing that comes from the deep, passional soul is bad, or can be bad.
D. H. LawrenceRead
The passionate are like men standing on their heads, they see all things the wrong way.
PlatoRead
I would not be you for a kingdom.' The remark was too naïve to rouse anger; I merely said - 'Very good.' 'And what would you give to be ME?' she inquired. 'Not a bad sixpence - strange as it may sound', I replied. 'You are but a poor creature.' 'You don't think so in your heart.' 'No; for in my heart you have not the outline of a place: I only occasionally turn you over in my brain.
Charlotte BronteRead
Terrorism fuels itself from all kinds of illicit trafficking: drugs, weapons, human beings.
Francois HollandeRead
It is very iniquitous to make me pay my debts - you have no idea of the pain it gives one.
Lord ByronRead
Neurosis is the natural by-product of pain avoidance.
Carl JungRead