Invisible Man

by Ralph Ellison

I haven’t smoked a reefer since, however; not because they’re illegal, but because to see around corners is enough (that is not unusual when you are invisible). But to hear around them is too much; it inhibits action.

Wow! To see around corners because you're invisible, but to hear around them as well?

“You’re nobody, son. You don’t exist—can’t you see that?

nothing is worse for a black man than to be humiliated by white folk.

You let the white folk worry about pride and dignity—you learn where you are and get yourself power, influence, contacts with powerful and influential people—then stay in the dark and use it!”

“Son, if you don’t become bitter, nothing can stop you from success. Remember that.”

Still I felt that even when they were polite they hardly saw me,

What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?

It was as though they hadn’t seen me, as though I were here, and yet not here.

After all, this very good wine can release emotion, but I doubt seriously that it can organize anything.”

Because, damn it, there’s the mind, the mind. It wouldn’t let me rest. Gin, jazz and dreams were not enough. Books were not enough.

Life is to be lived, not controlled;