Why does James Baldwin say that each one of us is an island unto himself?

James Baldwin suggests that each individual is an "island" to emphasize the profound isolation and uniqueness of personal experience. Despite our connections to others, we ultimately navigate our own thoughts, feelings, and struggles, leading to a sense of solitude. This metaphor reflects the complexity of human identity and the inherent challenge in truly understanding one another, highlighting that while we share commonalities, our perceptions and realities remain deeply personal.