James Baldwin
Born: 08-01-1924
James Baldwin was a profound American writer and social critic, renowned for his compelling essays, novels, and plays that explore complex themes of race, sexuality, and identity. Born in 1924 in Harlem, Baldwin's powerful voice emerged during the Civil Rights Movement, influencing generations. His notable works, including "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "The Fire Next Time," continue to resonate, offering insightful perspectives on the African American experience.
Book summaries for books written by James Baldwin
Quotes
Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.
People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.
The paradox of education is precisely this - that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.
I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.
The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers.
It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.
People who treat other people as less than human must not be surprised when the bread they have cast on the waters comes floating back to them, poisoned.
Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.
People can cry much easier than they can change.
The devil can cite scripture for his purpose.