"The price one pays for pursuing any profession, or calling, is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side"

This quote by James A. Baldwin speaks with the idea that in order to succeed in any occupation or calling, one need to want to accept and comprehend the less desirable elements of it. This means that in order to succeed, one need to want to accept the effort, long hours, and possible failures that come with any occupation. It also indicates that a person must want to accept the capacity for criticism, rejection, and disappointment that come with any occupation. Eventually, this quote is a reminder that success in any occupation or calling needs commitment, hard work, and a willingness to accept the ugly side of it. It is only through this intimate knowledge of the unsightly side that a person can really be successful.