Meaning: This quote by James Baldwin reflects a profound understanding of the existential condition of humanity. In this quote, Baldwin captures the inevitability of mortality and the inherent tragedy of life. By using the imagery of the earth turning and the sun rising and setting, Baldwin emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time. He suggests that this perpetual motion of the earth and the sun symbolizes the relentless march towards the ultimate end for every individual - death.

Baldwin's assertion that "Life is tragic" encapsulates a universal truth that transcends individual experiences. It speaks to the fundamental nature of human existence, which is marked by suffering, loss, and the constant confrontation with the finitude of life. The word "tragic" conveys a sense of inevitability and sorrow, implying that the human condition is inherently marked by a sense of loss and the awareness of our own mortality.

The phrase "the sun will go down for the last, last time" is particularly poignant, as it encapsulates the finality of death. By repeating the word "last," Baldwin emphasizes the irrevocable nature of this event. The image of the sun setting for the last time evokes a sense of closure and finality, emphasizing the ultimate end that awaits each person. This imagery also suggests a sense of the sublime, as the setting sun is often associated with moments of beauty and contemplation, yet here it symbolizes the end of life.

Baldwin's perspective on life as tragic is deeply rooted in existential philosophy, which grapples with questions of human existence, mortality, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus have explored similar themes, emphasizing the absurdity and contingency of life, and the need for individuals to confront their mortality and create their own meaning in the face of an inherently meaningless world.

The quote also highlights the universal nature of the human experience. Regardless of one's background, beliefs, or circumstances, the reality of mortality is a shared aspect of being human. Baldwin's words resonate with readers because they speak to a fundamental truth about the human condition that transcends cultural, social, and historical differences. In acknowledging the tragic nature of life, Baldwin invites reflection on the shared vulnerability and mortality that unites humanity.

In conclusion, James Baldwin's quote captures the profound and universal truth about the tragic nature of human existence. By invoking the imagery of the earth turning and the sun setting for the last time, Baldwin confronts the inevitability of mortality and the fundamental sorrow that accompanies the human experience. His words invite contemplation on the universal aspects of the human condition, and the need to confront the reality of mortality with courage and understanding.