"It is very nearly impossible... to become an educated person in a country so distrustful of the independent mind"

This quote by James A. Baldwin talks to the trouble of becoming an informed individual in a country that is distrustful of independent thought. Baldwin is suggesting that it is nearly difficult to become an informed person in a country that does not value independent thought. He is indicating that in order to end up being informed, one need to be able to believe independently and critically, and that this is not possible in a nation that does not value such thinking. This quote talks to the importance of flexibility of idea and expression, and how it is important for education and growth. It also speaks to the requirement for a society to be open up to various concepts and perspectives in order to foster an environment of learning and growth.