A person does not lightly elect to oppose his society. One … - James Baldwin

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A person does not lightly elect to oppose his society. One would much rather be at home among one's compatriots than be mocked and detested by them. And there is a level on which the mockery of people, even their hatred, is moving, because it is so blind: It is terrible to watch people cling to their captivity and insist on their own destruction.

James Baldwin

English

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About James Baldwin

James Arthur Baldwin (2 August 1924 – 1 December 1987) was an American novelist, short story writer, playwright, essayist, and social critic.

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Birth Name: James Arthur Baldwin

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Additional quotes by James Baldwin

Americans should never come to Europe,' she said, and tried to laugh and began to cry, 'it means they never can be happy again. What's the good of an American who isn't happy? Happiness was all we had.

Precisely at the point when you begin to develop a conscience you must find yourself at war with your society.

If I could make you stay, I would,’ he shouted. ‘If I had to beat you, chain you, starve you — if I could make you stay, I would.’ He turned back into the room; the wind blew his hair. He shook his finger at me, grotesquely playful. ‘One day, perhaps, you will wish I had.

A person does not lightly elect to oppose his society. One would much rather be at home among one's compatriots than be mocked and detested by them. … - James Baldwin

About James Baldwin

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