An identity would seem to be arrived at by the way in which the person faces and uses his experience. – James Baldwin
James Joyce is right about history being a nightmare– but it may be that nightmare from which no one can awaken. People are trapped in history and history in trapped in them. – James Baldwin
The primary distinction of the artist is that he must actively cultivate that state which most men, necessarily, must avoid the state of being alone. – James Baldwin
He may be a very nice man. But I havent got the time to figure that out. All I know is, hes got a uniform and a gun and I have to relate to him that way. Thats the only way to relate to him because one of us may have to die. – James Baldwin