“The World I Live In”
Tennessee Williams interviews himself
Well, I’ve never met one that I couldn’t love if I completely knew him and understood him, and in my work I have at least tried to arrive at knowledge and understanding.
I don’t believe in “original sin.” I don’t believe in “guilt.” I don’t believe in villains or heroes—only right or wrong ways that individuals have taken, not by choice but by necessity or by certain still-uncomprehended influences in themselves, their circumstances, and their antecedents.
This is so simple I’m ashamed to say it, but I’m sure it’s true. In fact, I would bet my life on it! And that’s why I don’t understand why our propaganda machines are always trying to teach us, to persuade us, to hate and fear other people on the same little world that we live in.
Why don’t we meet these people and get to know them as I try to meet and know people in my plays? This sounds terribly vain and egotistical.
I don’t want to end on such a note. Then what shall I say? That I know that I am a minor artist who has happened to write one or two major works? I can’t even say which they are. It doesn’t matter. I have said my say. I may still say it again, or I may shut up now. It doesn’t depend on you, it depends entirely on me, and the operation of chance or Providence in my life.