I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
Langston HughesRead
We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful. And ugly too. The tom-tom cries and the tom-tom laughs. If colored people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-expression and the beauty of individual identity without fear of judgment from others.
Langston Hughes articulates the desire of younger Black artists to celebrate their identity and authenticity boldly. They convey that their creativity and self-worth are not contingent upon the approval of white audiences or society at large. Instead, their art serves as a testament to their resilience, diversity, and the richness of their experiences, building a brighter future for themselves with confidence and pride.
Themes
IdentitySelf-ExpressionCreativityPrideResilience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire artists in a public speech about embracing one's cultural heritage.
More from Langston Hughes
All quotes βMy writing has been largely concerned with the depicting of Negro life in America.
Langston HughesRead
I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Langston HughesRead
An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
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The calm, Cool face of the river, Asked me for a kiss
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The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.
Langston HughesRead
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