Either you deal with what is the reality, or you can be sure that the reality is going to deal with you.

I travel a lot. It used to be, when I would go to any country, I could guarantee that the first question would establish my name, and the fact that I've written Roots, and the third question, at least no later than the fourth question would not be a question, so much as a statement, something like, "We understand that in America white people do such and such bad things to black people."

The way to succeed is never quit. That's it. But really be humble about it. ... You start out lowly and humble and you carefully try to learn an accretion of little things that help you get there.

There was a great deal of inbreeding between the Indians and the slaves. Genetically speaking, black people are some part black, some part European.

Beginning writers must appreciate the prerequisites if they hope to become writers. You pay your dues - which takes years.

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.

But then, as far as I know, as far as I've studied or heard or picked up, it seems that this type of thing is a curse against mankind.