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
For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn't any other tale to tell, it's the only light we've got in all this darkness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the essential human experience of suffering and joy, emphasizing the importance of sharing our stories.
James A. Baldwin reflects on the timeless nature of human experiences, suggesting that our narratives of suffering, delight, and triumph are universal and vital. He implies that these stories provide illumination in the dark moments of life, serving as a reminder that despite the challenges we face, our collective experiences are what connect us and give meaning to our existence.
Themes
SufferingDelightTriumphStoriesLightDarkness
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about resilience, one might use Baldwin's quote to emphasize the importance of sharing personal stories.
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
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I hope I'm worthy in my dying. I hope I can maintain myself - that I wouldn't become pathetic and needy, and the worst part of myself come out in adversity. But I'm not afraid of it. It'd be such a silly thing to do! To ruin the life you have by fearing its ending.
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Alterius non sit qui suus esse potest. (Let no man belong to another that can belong to himself.)
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