In Didier Eribon's "Returning to Reims," this quote by James Baldwin resonates deeply. It captures a universal truth about human psychology and emotion—the way hatred can serve as a protective shield. Baldwin suggests that hatred is more than just negativity; it’s a coping mechanism, a barrier to the deeper, more vulnerable emotions like pain and sorrow. In the context of Eribon's work, which explores identity, social class, and alienation, this reflection helps us understand the complexities of emotional resistance and social relations.

People often hold on to their anger or disdain not merely because of the object of their hatred but because letting go would mean facing unbearable realities or losses. Eribon’s sociological exploration touches on similar themes of social pain and the confrontation with one’s own experiences that are often suppressed or ignored amid societal pressures.

This quote invites readers to consider the cost of hatred—not just on others but on ourselves. It calls for empathy towards those who harbor such emotions and urges a more profound form of courage: facing pain directly without the crutch of hatred. It's a poignant reminder of the intricacies in human emotions and how they interplay with societal structures and personal histories. The emotional labor involved in transcending hatred is, as Baldwin implies, immense but necessary for healing and growth. In all, this notion enriches our understanding of the human condition—a theme central to Eribon's narrative.