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
Similar quotes
The success or failure of any historical age is the extent to which those living at that time have fulfilled the special role that history has imposed upon them.
Thomas BerryRead
Usually the threat of death makes people a lot more aware of their lives.
Paulo CoelhoRead
The wind shows us how close to the edge we are.
Joan DidionRead
I have learned, by some experience, that virtue and patriotism, vice and selfishness, are found in all parties, and that they differ less in their motives than in the policies they pursue.
William H. SewardRead
We have seen when the earth had to be prepared for the habitation of man, a veil, as it were, of intermediate being was spread between him and its darkness, in which were joined in a subdued measure, the stability and insensibility of the earth, and the passion and perishing of mankind.
John RuskinRead
Satan rejoiced when Adam (peace be upon him) came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.
Ibn Qayyim Al-JawziyyaRead