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
The impossible is the least that one can demand.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the idea that we should aim for greater challenges instead of settling for what seems unattainable.
James A. Baldwin's quote suggests that what is often perceived as impossible should be regarded as just the starting point of our demands and ambitions. It encourages individuals to push beyond their limits and to redefine their notions of capability and achievement, motivating them to strive for what they might initially consider unattainable.
Themes
ImpossibleMotivationAmbitionChallengesAchievement
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to inspire students to reach for their dreams.
More from James A. Baldwin
All quotes βThe 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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If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid.
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a setback is a setup for a comeback
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If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.
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Every vision is a joke until the first man accomplishes it; once realized, it becomes commonplace.
Robert H. GoddardRead