The Fire Next Time (Vintage International)

“They are, in effect, still trapped in a history which they do not understand.”

White people are often trapped by a past they refuse to face. They fear losing a social identity that never existed in the first place.

“Life is tragic simply because the earth turns and the sun inexorably rises and sets.”

Living in fear of death makes it impossible to live a real life. We cling to safety and end up losing our capacity for joy.

“The vision of the world which I had acquired in the schoolroom did not apply.”

Religion can be used as a shield against the world. It often provides a sense of belonging while masking a deep, underlying anger.

“I use the word love here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being.”

Love is much more than just being nice to people. It is a tough and active state of being that demands total honesty.