“The only thing that white people have that black people need, or should want, is power—and no one holds power forever.”
— James Baldwin
Simplified Meaning:
This quote is about how power is something that people often desire, and in history, white people have had more of it compared to black people. The main idea is that power is important, but it doesn’t last forever for anyone. For example, think of a king who once ruled a big country. He might have had a lot of control and wealth, but eventually, his reign ended, and someone else took over. In modern life, it can mean that fighting just to gain power isn’t everything. Instead, focusing on building skills, strong communities, and helping each other can create lasting change. So if someone feels powerless or sees others holding too much power, it’s important to remember that power shifts over time and nobody stays in control forever. This encourages people to work towards equality and fairness rather than just chasing power.